Proactively inform and grasp public opinion early and from afar

Sharing with SGGP reporters, comrade Duong Anh Duc, member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, emphasized that proactively informing and grasping public opinion early and from afar, especially propagating so that people can clearly grasp the information, is the most effective way of propaganda.

Comrade Duong Anh Duc, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

Strengthening networks and ensuring information transparency.

* REPORTER: The current work of propaganda and mass mobilization is facing both advantages and significant challenges. Could you share more specific details about the difficulties the sector is currently facing?

* Comrade DUONG ANH DUC : The first difficulty is that the area is new, vast, and diverse in terms of population, and many areas are unfamiliar to our cadres. To do ideological work well, we must "go early" and grasp the situation from the beginning. If we are slow, even a small piece of information can turn into a big problem, negatively impacting society.

Another challenge is the rapid changes in policies and organizational structures, forcing a segment of cadres, party members, and citizens to adjust their life and work orientations. This easily leads to feelings of anxiety and worry. Ideological work remains unchanged in nature, but its scale and complexity have increased many times over.

* What solutions has the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the City Party Committee implemented to respond to the new situation?

* First and foremost, we prioritize building and developing a network for monitoring public opinion, based on grassroots cadres, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, and the press. Propaganda and mass mobilization work cannot be separated from the Fatherland Front and political and social organizations. We must make maximum use of the network already established, and the coordination regulations are already in place, so that information is transmitted transparently, with accountability, and reaches the people in a timely manner.

A crucial principle is to prevent malicious actors from exploiting information gaps. Opportunistic elements always seek to "infiltrate" systems when they are busy. Therefore, we prioritize providing official information, accompanied by clear analysis and explanations, so that people understand and agree. When people are well-informed, they become the most active force in disseminating information, helping to spread trust.

Deliver the right message as early as possible.

* In the digital age, how will propaganda and mass mobilization work innovate itself to achieve higher effectiveness and deeper dissemination, Comrade?

Technology plays a crucial role. The Propaganda Department of the City Party Committee, now the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the City Party Committee, has coordinated with the Department of Information and Communications (and now the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Culture and Sports) to deploy software for monitoring and analyzing information on the internet, helping to detect hotspots and sources of harmful and toxic information early. Technological tools help to automatically collect information, analyze trends, and identify issues before they spread.

However, technology is only a tool. What is crucial is that officials are proactive, perceptive, and know how to apply it. The city has 168 wards, communes, and special zones; without a strong network of collaborators, supported by technology and skills, ideological work will struggle to keep pace with reality.

We recognize this as a critical period for public awareness and mobilization efforts. In addition to applying technology, we prioritize timely detection, analysis, and enhanced coordination to deliver accurate and timely messages so that citizens and Party members understand their roles and participate in the awareness campaign.

Delegates offer suggestions at the Conference on Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Work for the first 7 months of 2025 of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. Photo: VAN MINH

How do you assess the need to renew the ranks of propaganda and mass mobilization cadres in the current context?

* Propaganda and mass mobilization officials must be at the forefront of innovation. In addition to professional skills, those working in propaganda need to understand technology, possess multimedia communication skills, and be creative in their communication methods. We have implemented a digital skills training program not only for city-level officials but also down to the ward and commune levels – those who have direct contact with the people.

In particular, ideological work cannot be separated from transparency of information. It's not enough to simply say "listen to me and do as I say"; clear, reasonable, and empathetic explanations are necessary to gain people's trust and cooperation. Experience has shown that when policies are correct and information is timely, people immediately agree and share them.

* Based on your practical experience, what message can you draw to strengthen social trust and create consensus in Ho Chi Minh City's new development phase?

* Ideological work and mass mobilization are among the "lifelines" of the political system. In the current context of the city, public opinion is very interested in every change. Without a mechanism for close coordination, transparent information, and strong application of science and technology , we will be passive in the face of emerging issues. The highest goal is to consolidate trust and create social consensus so that Ho Chi Minh City can develop stably and sustainably.

THAI PHUONG - VAN MINH implemented

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chu-dong-thong-tin-nam-bat-du-luan-tu-som-tu-xa-post812025.html