A promise to the future

Today, January 19th, the 14th National Congress of the Party begins its first day of work. This is not only a political milestone, but also a promise to the future of the nation.

From the Sixth National Congress in 1986 to the Fourteenth National Congress, nine consecutive congresses continued the journey of reform. The Fourteenth National Congress is facing the task of shaping a new qualitative stage of development, with great demands and expectations. General Secretary To Lam emphasized: "It can be affirmed that, at this point, the country has gathered sufficient strength and momentum, sufficient will and determination to enter an era of prosperous and thriving national development."

Forty years of implementing reforms have transformed Vietnam from an underdeveloped economy, gradually integrating into the global economy, asserting its position, and building a rare foundation of political and social stability in a volatile world. However, these achievements also present a new challenge: continued development cannot be based on the mindset of the previous period, nor can it rely solely on past advantages; complacency with the role of "catching up after falling behind" is unacceptable.

Hanoi is adorned with flags and flowers, joyfully welcoming the 14th National Congress of the Party (Photo: Manh Quan).

The 14th National Congress established the starting point of a new era of development – ​​an era of prosperity, civilization, and happiness. Prosperity is not only measured by economic scale, but also by self-reliance, resilience to change, the ability to create high added value, and the key to breaking the middle-income trap through science, technology, and innovation.

Civilization is not only reflected in synchronized infrastructure and technology, but also in the quality of governance, social norms, care for people, and the high regard for and promotion of national cultural values. Happiness is not just about income, but about a safe and fair life, opportunities for development, and faith in the future.

Therefore, the 14th National Congress is not only an opportunity to summarize the journey so far, but also a time for us to confront the great questions of our time—questions that are not easy to answer, but which we must definitely face and answer. What model will Vietnam develop under in the context of a restructuring world order? What growth drivers are strong enough to sustain long-term development when traditional resources are gradually depleted? How can we achieve growth without sacrificing the environment, growth coupled with social equity, and growth that leaves no one behind?

The 14th National Congress is a convergence of faith and aspirations for development. This faith stems from the Party's practical leadership, from the political and social stability maintained through numerous global upheavals, and from the concrete development achievements that the people can feel. The aspiration for development is forged from the will to rise of a nation that has experienced much loss, understands the value of independence and freedom, and refuses to lag behind in the development journey.

That aspiration is being framed within a century-long vision. The 100th anniversary of the Party's founding and the 100th anniversary of the nation's founding are not merely commemorative milestones, but a path towards a new standard of national development. We must successfully achieve the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and a high-middle income by 2030; and realize the vision of becoming a developed country with a high income by 2045. A peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam, steadily advancing towards socialism. A nation whose strength comes not only from growth, but from cohesion and consensus. A nation whose international standing is built on a solid foundation of internal strength.

In 2025, Vietnam's economy is projected to achieve a growth rate of 8.02%, a highly desirable rate in the region and the world. In the coming period, growth should strive for double digits. Vietnam's greatest strength in all stages of development lies in the collective intelligence and unity of the entire nation. Unity is Vietnam's strength, its resilience. As the challenges of the international environment become increasingly complex, unity becomes a prerequisite for maintaining stability, fostering consensus, and mobilizing all resources for development.

In that spirit, the 14th Congress reaffirmed a truth of enduring value: there is no greater strength than the strength of a nation that knows how to combine belief with action.

The world situation is changing rapidly and unpredictably. Our Party has affirmed its determination to break through and move forward with new thinking, new models, and new approaches. Overcoming challenges and seizing the future is a strategic choice, requiring political acumen, discipline in implementation, and long-term steadfastness.

The 14th National Congress will usher in a new era, a new stage of development. This stage will always place people at the center, considering knowledge and creativity as key driving forces, culture as the spiritual foundation, and independence and self-reliance as immutable principles in integration. In particular, it will deeply embrace the viewpoint that "the people are the foundation," that the people are the subject and the center of the process of reform, national construction, and defense. All policies and guidelines of the Party and State must truly stem from the needs, aspirations, rights, and legitimate interests of the people; taking the happiness and satisfaction of the people as the measure and goal to strive for.

The 14th National Congress, therefore, is not only a momentous political event but also a promise to the future of the nation. A promise of a prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam. A promise of a nation that grows stronger from within, matures through challenges, and confidently enters a new era in which people are always placed at the center of all development.

That promise also reflects the aspirations of a nation that remains steadfast in its faith in the Party's leadership and in the bright future of the country on its journey of reform and integration.

Author: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Chi Nghia is a full-time member of the National Assembly working at the Committee on Culture and Social Affairs.

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/tam-diem/loi-hen-voi-tuong-lai-20260118185127177.htm