JDC West 2026 takes place on Treaty Six Territory: the traditional territory of Cree Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.

The Power of Change

We live in a world defined by change. Shifting global trade patterns, rapid advances in technology, climate disruption, and post-pandemic recovery are only a few of the forces reshaping our future. Change can be empowering or destabilizing, inspiring or disruptive. It can create growth and opportunity, but it can also demand resilience in the face of adversity. Its power lies not in inevitability, but in how we choose to respond.

The JDC West 2026 theme is The Power of Change. This theme invites delegates to examine transformation in its many forms—not just in business, but in leadership, innovation, and values. Change is rarely easy. Yet, when met with creativity, foresight, and adaptability, it becomes a catalyst for progress. The Power of Change challenges competitors to confront uncertainty with courage, to build solutions that last, and to recognize that leadership is forged in times of transition.

The pillars supporting this theme are Innovation, Sustainability, and Resilience. Each pillar represents an essential dimension of navigating and harnessing change:

Innovation

Change often begins with a spark of creativity. Whether reimagining a product, process, or perspective, innovation drives progress. At JDC West, innovation means bold ideas, smart risks, and courageous thinking—not only technological, but human and strategic.

Sustainability

For change to be meaningful, it must endure. Sustainability asks competitors to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on communities, economies, and the planet. It is more than a buzzword; it is a mindset that challenges teams to think beyond the bottom line and embrace responsibility for future generations.

Resilience

Not all change is welcome, nor is it always simple. In times of volatility and uncertainty, resilience becomes a defining trait of leaders. Competitors at JDC West will face complex, real-world challenges demanding adaptability, composure, and perseverance. Resilience is the ability to transform setbacks into strength and uncertainty into opportunity.

Saskatoon, home to JDC West 2026, is a city shaped by transformation. Rooted in Indigenous traditions and enriched by waves of newcomers, Saskatoon embodies change as a force for connection and renewal. Here, innovation and community converge. Like the South Saskatchewan River that cuts through the heart of the city, change is both constant and dynamic, shaping the landscape of what comes next.

Since its beginning, JDC West has celebrated not only academic excellence, but the holistic development of business leaders: nimble in athletics, persuasive in debate, creative and resilient in challenge. Thousands of competitors, alumni, and organizers have carried forward the belief that business has the power to drive positive change.

In 2026, we reaffirm this belief. At JDC West, we embrace The Power of Change.