Islands are bodies of land surrounded by water; albeit well connected via the waves of ocean, movements of people and flows of technology. Smallness is both aesthetically pleasing and intensely practical. There are increasing challenges for small islands in our connected planet with the added risk for some of mounting global warming. This conference welcomes the presentation of research and reflection to address the nature of islands from the past to the future, to achieve a better understanding of the uniqueness, connections, cultures, ethics, technologies, innovation and sustainability for the many possible futures of islands and archipelagos. Sub-themes proposed are as follows: 1. Small is beautiful: Literature, poems, island diversity 2. Small is resilient: history, heritages, culture and nature 3. Small is challenging: economy as a virtue – traditions, innovations and sustainability 4. New wind for islands: innovations, green technologies and island power 5. New waves in the ocean: cross-jurisdictional challenges and collaborations 6. Island resilience: challenges and responses to global events 7. Island communities: people, livelihood, rights and governance 8. Island indigenous knowledge and the role of young islanders 9. Island nature: formation, processes and change