New perspectives on building and developing Vietnamese culture and people in the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Toan Thang, former Director of the Institute of Culture and Development, Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy, building upon theoretical arguments about culture and people in the đổi mới (renovation) period, especially the documents of the 13th National Congress, the Draft Political Report of the Central Committee of the 13th Party Congress at the 14th National Congress of the Party, has clearly outlined some new theoretical viewpoints on the guidelines for building and developing Vietnamese culture and people.

Firstly, the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress puts forward the viewpoint of "building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity in a synchronized manner."   "Based on national values, cultural values, family values, and the standards of Vietnamese humanity."

In order to inherit the revolutionary achievements of 40 years of Doi Moi (Renovation), and to affirm the determination to successfully build an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, the Party has put forward a new viewpoint: it is absolutely necessary to "build and develop an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity in a comprehensive manner on the foundation of national values, cultural values, family values, and the standards of Vietnamese people."

In fact, the most important driving force and resource for the country's development in the new era - the era of national resurgence - is the strength of culture and people - the inherent strength within, with fervent patriotism, the will for independence and self-reliance, the strength of national unity, and the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country.

Vietnamese cultural values ​​and human resources are the foundation of crucial endogenous strength that determines rapid and sustainable development. To acquire such endogenous cultural and human resources, the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress proposes a "synchronous" process of "building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity..." "on the foundation of national values, cultural values, family values, and the standards of Vietnamese people." This is a closely interrelationship of these value systems, existing within each other, influencing and impacting each other at both macro and micro levels.

Accordingly, the task of building a national value system, a cultural value system, and the standards of Vietnamese people must be linked to preserving and developing the Vietnamese family value system in the new era; it must inherit and promote the cultural and human values ​​of Vietnam, and the historical traditions of the nation that have been cultivated over thousands of years of struggle to build and defend the country. These include fervent patriotism, the will for national self-reliance, the spirit of solidarity, a sense of community connecting individuals - families - villages - the nation; compassion, tolerance, respect for righteousness and morality; diligence and creativity in labor; subtlety in conduct, and simplicity in lifestyle. In reality, the cultural and human values ​​of Vietnam over thousands of years have been the solid spiritual foundation of the nation, an intrinsic strength, and an important driving force ensuring the rapid and sustainable development of the country in the new era, the era of national progress.

Secondly, the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress continues to affirm the viewpoint of "building and comprehensively developing Vietnamese culture and people" with new content.

The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has defined the development strategy and vision for the 21st century. Specifically: by 2025, Vietnam will be a developing country with a modern industrial sector, surpassing the lower-middle income level; by 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding, it will be a developing country with a modern industrial sector and a high-middle income level; and by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), Vietnam will become a developed country with a high income level, following a socialist orientation.

To realize that aspiration, attention must be paid to the subject of development, the center of development being people with high cultural values ​​and standards. Therefore, it is necessary to "build and comprehensively develop Vietnamese culture and people." The Party's perspective on building and comprehensively developing Vietnamese culture and people has a newer and more complete meaning.

Regarding the requirements for comprehensive human development, the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress clearly states: "...Comprehensive development of Vietnamese people in terms of ethics, intellect, national consciousness, civic responsibility, creative capacity, aesthetics, physical fitness, life skills, and professional skills. Building a healthy and civilized cultural environment associated with building and perfecting the new socialist Vietnamese person. Upholding and encouraging the pioneering role of intellectuals, artists, entrepreneurs, and those working in the cultural field...".

During the period of reform, our Party has placed great importance on educating Vietnamese people in patriotism, national pride and self-respect, compassion, solidarity, social consensus, protecting and promoting the good and enduring values ​​in the national cultural tradition, building and perfecting cultural values ​​and standards for Vietnamese people in the new era, developing comprehensively in personality, morality, intellect, physical health, soul, social responsibility, civic duty, awareness of respecting and complying with the law, environmental protection, innovative capacity, ability to work in an international environment, and consistently caring for the education of morality, personality, creative capacity, and social responsibility for all strata of the people, especially the younger generation. It integrates education in knowledge, morality, aesthetics, and life skills with physical education to enhance the stature of Vietnamese people. To "build and comprehensively develop Vietnamese culture and people," the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress puts forward a new perspective: the need to resolutely "build a modern national education system on par with the region and the world," and actively "promote the building of a lifelong learning society, developing models, methods, and learning movements in a diversified direction, suitable for different target groups and localities. The role and responsibility of the entire political system in promoting the development of a learning society should be enhanced; the awareness of self-study, self-improvement, self-cultivation of knowledge, and raising the level of all citizens of all ages should be promoted."

Another noteworthy new point is that the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress also outlines the direction for building and developing the working class, the peasantry, the intelligentsia, and other social strata nationwide with specific standards, meeting the new development requirements of the country in the era of national progress:

"Building a modern Vietnamese working class, strong in both quantity and quality, with firm political resolve, class consciousness, national pride and self-respect, truly leading the revolutionary cause through its vanguard, the Communist Party of Vietnam."

To build a civilized, comprehensively developed Vietnamese peasantry with willpower, self-reliance, self-strength, and aspirations for advancement; to promote the leading role of farmers in the development of agricultural economy, rural economy, and the construction of new rural areas.

To build and develop a strong and comprehensive team of Vietnamese intellectuals and artists, with a rational structure, high quality, strong patriotism, revolutionary character and ideals, and representing the intellect of Vietnam.

To nurture and develop Vietnamese women in the new era, promoting their traditions, potential, strengths, intelligence, and spirit of self-reliance and aspiration for advancement; and to actively build progressive, civilized, prosperous, and happy Vietnamese families.

Building a strong team of Vietnamese entrepreneurs with patriotism, social responsibility, national self-reliance, a desire to contribute, respect for the rule of law, and the capacity for international integration and competition, thereby contributing to the development of a prosperous, civilized, and happy country.

Strengthening the education of young Vietnamese generations on revolutionary ideals, ethics, lifestyle, patriotism, national pride, nurturing dreams, aspirations, willpower, and a desire to contribute, and upholding responsibility towards the country and society.

Promoting the role of veterans and former police officers in educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions and revolutionary heroism, upholding the essence and traditions of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" and "revolutionary police officers".

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  Orienting the development of human resources in the cultural sector in the new era, in accordance with the draft document of the 14th Party Congress.

"Leveraging the wisdom, prestige, and experience of the elderly in families, communities, and society; protecting and caring for the elderly, especially in the context of rapid population aging."

Regarding the comprehensive development of culture, the Draft Document of the 14th Party Congress analyzes:

"Promote the comprehensive development of all cultural fields; build a cultural environment, life, and lifestyle in families, schools, agencies, units, and communities. Preserve and effectively promote cultural heritage values ​​in conjunction with the development of the heritage economy."

Building and developing literature and art commensurate with the nation's cultural history and the scale of the reform process. Establishing institutions and organizing cultural activities in a practical and flexible manner, focusing on the grassroots and the people. Building and developing a professional, humane, and modern press, publishing, and media industry. Strengthening the management and development of digital media and information platforms. Constructing cultural and sports facilities on par with regional and international standards. Effectively implementing the National Target Program on Cultural Development. Actively and proactively cooperating to promote the image of the country, cultural values, and Vietnamese people to the world. Strongly developing the cultural industry and cultural services to better meet the cultural needs of the people. Emphasizing the development of political culture. Developing business culture, corporate culture, creative entrepreneurship culture, and business ethics. Building a culture within families, schools, and society to protect and preserve traditional customs, foster a spirit of mutual support, solidarity, loyalty, respect for morality, and a blend of tradition and modernity. Developing and spreading cultural values ​​and moral standards...

Today, to harness the power of Vietnamese culture and people, it is necessary to develop and implement plans, mechanisms, and solutions to properly address the relationship between preserving and promoting the traditional cultural and historical values ​​of the nation and building human resources, as well as achieving rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. Particular emphasis should be placed on educating the younger generation about traditional culture, history, revolution, and national cultural identity, and promoting positive elements within beliefs and religions. The development of corporate culture, entrepreneurship, and business practices should continue to be promoted. Culture should be built in economics, politics, leadership, and management. The creation of new cultural elements should be encouraged, enriching the Vietnamese cultural identity. Mechanisms and policies should be developed to foster a spirit of dedication to the prosperity and happiness of all Vietnamese people.

Thirdly, the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress emphasizes the viewpoint of "Strongly arousing the spirit of patriotism, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-strength, national pride, and the aspiration to build a prosperous, civilized, and happy country. Effectively promoting the cultural values ​​and the spirit of dedication of the Vietnamese people, so that culture truly becomes an endogenous resource, a driving force, and a regulating system for national development. "

The Party's new understanding of the role of culture and people in building and developing the country and protecting the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland is the affirmation that: Culture and people are the foundation, resources, intrinsic strength, and a great driving force and regulator of sustainable social development .

The basis for defining culture and people as the foundation, resources, intrinsic strength, great driving force, and regulatory system for sustainable social development includes the following arguments:

Firstly, culture plays a fundamental role in shaping thoughts, feelings, ways of thinking, morals, lifestyles, behaviors, and core values ​​of human development. Culture is the crystallization of a nation's spiritual strength, a system of values ​​and social norms, a repository of knowledge, experience, and traditional values ​​passed down through generations. These values ​​form the basis for shaping people's thinking patterns and "thinking abilities" in action, interaction, and problem-solving. Culture is an endogenous resource for development, a driving force for progress from within. Cultural characteristics such as noble ideals, genuine and radiant aspirations, a spirit of creative passion, studiousness, diligence, patience, perseverance, and innovation directly contribute to economic, political, cultural, and social development.

Secondly, centuries of human history have clearly demonstrated the fundamental role of culture in the development of many nations and peoples. Culture is a powerful spiritual resource that helps nations overcome difficulties and challenges, build community and social solidarity. Culture is a driving force and a direct resource for economic growth; it is a soft power that opens up possibilities for exchange and connection, promoting economic development and international integration. Culture also regulates social relations, inspires ideas for governing the country, ensuring peace and security for the people, resolving conflicts, and creating balance in life. Culture has the effect of guiding rapid and sustainable development.

Thirdly, the rich practical experience of nearly 40 years of reform in our country has prominently demonstrated the effectiveness of leveraging cultural and human resources in economic, social, environmental, national defense, security, and foreign relations development, especially during the 13th National Congress term, when our country overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, surmounting difficulties to quickly recover the economy and affirm the country's position on the global political map.

Fourthly, summarizing the lessons learned from practical experience and theory over nearly 40 years of reform shows that culture has truly awakened patriotism, self-reliance, self-improvement, and the aspiration for progress among the Vietnamese people, leading to the determination to carry out the reform process and achieve many great accomplishments.

The demands of national development in the new era (establishing a new growth model, improving the quality of growth, promoting industrialization and modernization, international integration, and the need for rapid and sustainable national development) definitively require a new source of endogenous cultural and human resources – high-quality human resources. A modern, integrated national education system will train new generations of citizens with the knowledge, skills, and qualities to meet the new development requirements of the country and to firmly protect the Fatherland from early on and from afar.

Fourth, the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress affirms the viewpoint of "developing and spreading cultural values ​​and moral standards; strengthening the 'resistance' of culture against all cultural 'invasion'; eliminating hybrid and outdated cultural forms that affect traditional customs and morals; and combating and refuting distorted arguments about history, culture, and revolutionary traditions."

To strongly develop Vietnamese culture and people in the context of globalization, international integration, and digital transformation, it is necessary to both protect and promote national cultural identity, especially traditional and revolutionary cultural values, while simultaneously combating cultural hybridization, dogmatic and mechanical learning, and cultural invasion from outside. At the same time, it is also essential to humbly learn from and absorb the finest values ​​of human culture to build and develop Vietnamese culture and people in today's modern society.

Preserving and promoting national cultural identity is extremely important to affirm national identity, resist cultural invasion, and create differentiation and competitive advantages for the country.

In the process of building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, it is necessary to focus on the core value of making Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought play a leading role in the spiritual life of society. This is also the process of building human beings, maximizing the human factor, and implementing the human resources strategy in Vietnam.

Fifth, the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress raises a new viewpoint that needs special attention: "building a culture of family, school, and society to protect and preserve fine customs and traditions, the spirit of mutual support, solidarity, loyalty, respect for morality, and the combination of tradition and modernity."

Family, school, and society are three important interconnected areas in the "comprehensive national education system on par with regional and global standards" emphasized in the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress.

To develop culture, people necessarily need close and coordinated cooperation between family, school, and society. Only then can tradition be connected with modern society and move towards the future, preventing cultural "disruption."

On Friday , the Draft Document of the 14th National Congress stated the viewpoint: "Improving cultural life, narrowing the gap in cultural enjoyment between regions and between different social classes; focusing on developing the culture of ethnic minority areas. Encouraging the exploration, construction, and creative development of effective cultural, sports, and cultural management models and institutions."

This is a major policy with strategic significance aimed at building and developing a harmonious cultural life among ethnic groups and regions throughout the country. To successfully implement this, innovation is needed, focusing on "...developing the culture of ethnic minority communities. Encouraging the exploration, construction, and creative development of effective cultural, sports, and cultural management models and institutions."

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/quan-diem-moi-ve-xay-dung-phat-trien-van-hoa-con-nguoi-viet-nam-trong-du-thao-van-kien-dai-hoi-xiv-cua-dang-20260114205142986.htm