'Happiness' in the Congress documents

The Central Committee has published the full text of the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Congress of the Party for public comment. The draft has attracted public attention with many new points, most notably the element of "happiness," clearly demonstrating the viewpoint of placing people at the center of development.

Delegates attending the First Party Congress of Dinh Hoa Commune, term 2025-2030.

In the draft Political Report, "happiness" was included as the theme of the 14th National Congress: "Under the glorious banner of the Party, working together to successfully achieve the national development goals by 2030; strategic autonomy, self-reliance, self-confidence, and strong progress in the era of national development for peace , independence, democracy, prosperity, civilization, happiness, and steadily advancing towards socialism."

This is the first time in the history of the congresses that the word "happiness" has been placed at the center of the national development philosophy. Many believe that placing "happiness" alongside "prosperity" and "civilization" represents a significant shift in thinking.

This thinking reflects the Party's new vision of humanity, the goals of development, and the nature of institutions. Development aims at creating material wealth while ensuring that every citizen is protected, respected, and has access to opportunities.

If "prosperity" symbolizes material power and "civilization" reflects intellectual and cultural levels, then "happiness" is the foundation of human values, the belief and morality that gives the other two pillars deeper and more lasting meaning.

Defining "happiness" as the theme of the 14th Party Congress affirms that development for the people is the essence of all progressive institutions. Happiness does not simply appear as a consequence of economic growth, but is formed from freedom, justice, and dignity; guaranteed by a humane institution that always cares for each citizen in the overall development process.

In reality, this idea is gradually being realized in many localities. Hanoi has incorporated "happiness" into its urban development plan for the 2025-2030 period, with the vision of building a capital city that is "cultured - civilized - modern - happy".

Cao Bang province has also pioneered the establishment of the "Cao Bang Happiness Index" (CB-HPI) in the Resolution of the Provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term, striving to have over 90% of communes achieve a CB-HPI score of 90 or higher by 2030. These steps show that "happiness" has become a criterion for social governance, rather than just a symbolic value.

By placing "happiness" alongside "prosperity" and "civilization" in the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress, the Party has opened up a new approach to development: national governance based on the trust and satisfaction of the people. A happy country is one where people not only have enough to eat and wear, but are also trusted, listened to, and inspired to work together to build the future.

"Happiness," when the ultimate goal of all policies, is also the highest measure of a nation's prosperity and civilization.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-polit/202511/hanh-phuc-trong-van-kien-dai-hoi-04b61a4/