RBC Launches Young Leaders 2026: Empowering Cayman’s Next Generation

Big ideas often come from young minds. And this year, Cayman’s students are being encouraged to think even bigger.

RBC recently launched the second edition of its Young Leaders program in the Cayman Islands, bringing together students for an opportunity to learn, embrace curiosity, and create change in their communities.

The 2026 program officially kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Grand Cayman Marriot Resort.

Designed to empower young people to become meaningful change-makers in their local and global communities, RBC Young Leaders began as a single essay competition in Trinidad & Tobago in 1981 and has grown into a regional movement.

This year’s theme across RBC’s Caribbean footprint is ‘Resilient by Design: Innovating for Climate and Community’, which challenges young leaders to think critically and creatively, ensuring their actions today help build a sustainable future tomorrow.

Thirty students from Caymanian schools - John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School, Cayman International School, St. Ignatius Catholic School and Cayman Prep High School - are helping young people see themselves as agents of change in their communities. Schools work side-by-side with RBC experts over several months to guide the students through the experience.

Beyond providing a unique learning experience, RBC is also awarding $15,000 KYD to the winning school to support the implementation of its proposed project. Second and third place finishers will receive $10,000 KYD and $5,000 KYD respectively.

During the launch event, Her Excellency, The Governor Jane Owen and Hon. Rolston M. Anglin, JP, Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Minister for Education and Training spoke with students about the importance of leadership, collaboration, and working through challenges. RBC’s CEO, Caribbean Banking, Chris Duggan, emphasized the importance of empowering youth early. The opportunities young people are given today, can help shape their journeys later in life,” he said.

“That’s why we believe empowering youth early to realize their potential is not just worthwhile; it’s essential. It’s about fostering a mindset of leadership, responsibility, and service. It’s about helping young people see that they can spark change in their communities.”

Khadene Lobban, Area Vice President, Personal & Private Banking and Country Head for the Cayman Islands highlighted the need for innovative youth driven solutions.

“The world faces global challenges that need proactive solutions and fresh perspectives,” Lobban said.

“By equipping Caymanian youth with knowledge and skills in sustainable practices, we empower them to become advocates and innovators. These young leaders can engineer projects that conserve resources, promote sustainability, and encourage others to do the same.”

Last year’s winners, Clifton Hunter High School captured attention with an innovative pitch to transform garbage destined plastic bottles into branded, wearable merchandise and functional accessories.

The RBC Young Leaders initiative is running concurrently in Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas and for the first time this year, Barbados.