Keep the pioneering spirit alive in the hearts of young people.

On the eve of the 13th National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union, Mr. Bui Dang Dung (pictured - former Deputy Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly, former Secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, former President of the Vietnam Student Association) shared with Thanh Nien Newspaper his memories, concerns, and expectations for youth in the new era of the country.

The imprint of youth movements

Sir, looking back on your career with the Youth Union, what is the most memorable moment for you when you think about Vietnamese youth and the youth movement nationwide?

Mr. Bui Dang Dung: I have worked at the Central Committee of the Youth Union for 23 years, holding many positions in various departments and units. Those were unforgettable years, witnessing the vibrant activities of Vietnamese youth.

I vividly remember the Central Committee of the Youth Union launching major campaigns such as "The March in the Footsteps of Heroes" and later "The March in the Footsteps of Uncle Ho," which attracted millions of young people and citizens nationwide to participate (in searching for historical sites), making a significant contribution to educating about the glorious historical traditions of the country and the nation.

Next came the Communist Youth Construction Site for the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. It was the largest youth construction site at the time, where tens of thousands of young people from all over the country gathered. Working and living conditions were extremely harsh, but the spirit of dedication was intense. Some young people sacrificed their lives right on that construction site for the sake of the nation's future electricity. The slogan "Altitude 81 or die" was not only a rallying cry but also a symbol of the will of an entire generation.

Particularly noteworthy is the year 2000 with the "Greeting the New Century" program and the vibrant activities of the Youth Volunteer movement. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest innovations of the Youth Union during the period of reform. From the first campaigns like "Green Summer" and "Youth Month," the movement has spread into a beautiful way of life for millions of young people. Wherever the green volunteer uniforms go, they bring knowledge, joy, practical projects, and a spirit of sharing.

I am also very proud of projects such as the 500 young intellectuals volunteering in remote areas or the Youth Entrepreneurship Village model. These are innovative models of the Youth Entrepreneurship - Youth Defending the Nation movement, clearly demonstrating the spirit of "Wherever youth are needed, youth will be there; whatever is difficult, youth will overcome it."

The pioneering spirit of the Youth Union will always be kept burning in the hearts of every young Vietnamese person.

PHOTO: QUEEN

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The pioneering role of the Youth Union must be demonstrated even more clearly.

During periods of significant national transformation, how, in your opinion, has the Youth Union demonstrated the pioneering role of young people in meeting the demands of the times?

In my opinion, the Youth Union has always known how to innovate to suit the requirements of each stage of the country's development. As the country transitioned from wartime to peacetime, the Youth Union also had to change its mindset. While previously the focus was on motivating young people in combat and production, the period of reform has placed demands on encouraging creativity, entrepreneurship, economic excellence, and international integration…

In today's digital age, the pioneering role of the Youth Union must be even more clearly demonstrated. Young people are the most responsive force to science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Therefore, the Youth Union cannot operate with outdated thinking or rely solely on administrative orders. In my opinion, for the Youth Union to lead young people, it must become a source of inspiration, creating an environment for young people to be creative and contribute.

How do you assess the changes in Vietnamese youth through the various Youth Union Congresses, especially in terms of mindset, aspirations, and responsibility towards the country?

Each generation of young people has its own characteristics, but a common thread running through them is patriotism and a desire to contribute. Young people during wartime were ready to sacrifice their youth, even their lives, for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. Young people in the period of reform, on the other hand, possess a spirit of dedication to labor and production, poverty alleviation, and the development of their homeland.

Today's younger generation has many advantages due to inheriting the achievements of the revolution. They have better physical conditions, access to technology, and foreign language skills than previous generations. The Party and State also pay special attention to youth through the enactment and implementation of the Youth Law. This is an important legal tool to promote, protect, and create conditions for youth development that previous generations lacked.

Therefore, today's youth are a crucial resource for Vietnam to realize its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045. However, the more integrated we become, the more important it is to preserve our national identity. Vietnamese youth who want to go far must have a strong foundation in national culture, political acumen, and patriotism.

The flame will always be lit in the hearts of young people.

On the occasion of the 13th National Congress of the Youth Union, what message would you like to convey to the Youth Union officials and the young generation of Vietnam in this new phase of the country's development?

First and foremost, I want to emphasize to all Youth Union officials the need for continuous learning and self-improvement. Always maintain a pioneering spirit, dedication, and closeness to young people. To gain their trust, Youth Union officials must be proficient in their respective fields. In addition, they must possess modern thinking, be adept at embracing new trends of the era, from digital transformation to innovation. Next is exemplary conduct. And finally, they must immerse themselves in practical experience, taking the lead in the most challenging areas and tackling the newest tasks. Only by working, living, and experiencing life alongside young people can they truly understand their needs and desires.

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I have always believed that the Youth Union is only strong when it resides in the hearts of young people. The true strength of the Youth Union lies in the fact that young people feel it is their organization, a place where they find faith, inspiration, and opportunities for growth. To achieve this, Youth Union officials must maintain a pioneering spirit, dare to think, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, and dare to innovate.

To the younger generation, I hope you will nurture great aspirations, but they must begin with concrete actions. The goal of making Vietnam a developed nation by 2045 is not just the responsibility of the Party, the State, or any single organization, but the responsibility of today's young generation.

Aspirations are only valuable when they are transformed into action. From serious study, responsible work, respect for the law, helping the community, to creating new products for the country, all are practical ways to express love for the homeland.

I believe that with the glorious traditions of previous generations and the intelligence and courage of today's youth, Vietnamese youth will continue to write new and proud chapters in the journey of building a strong and prosperous nation. And the pioneering spirit of the Youth Union will always be kept burning in the hearts of every young Vietnamese person.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giu-ngon-lua-tien-phong-trong-tim-nguoi-tre-185260613184651417.htm