External information conveys a true and vibrant image of Vietnam to the world.

On the evening of December 12th in Hanoi, the Central Steering Committee on External Information Work, the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, in coordination with Vietnam Television and relevant ministries and agencies, organized the 11th National Award Ceremony for External Information. The Organizing Committee selected and awarded 8 first prizes, 16 second prizes, 24 third prizes, and 40 consolation prizes to works from nearly 2,500 entries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech at the awards ceremony. (Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP)

Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized: External information work plays an extremely important role and has strategic significance in the cause of national construction and defense; it is an important part of political and ideological work, and a regular, long-term task of the entire political system, linked to Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. In recent times, external information work has made significant contributions to outstanding results in the field of foreign affairs; it has been a catalyst for the impressive and comprehensive socio-economic development achievements of the country.

According to the Prime Minister, in the coming period, external information work needs to proactively and promptly identify opportunities and challenges, making more positive contributions to the successful achievement of strategic goals; spreading the values ​​of an independent, self-reliant, peaceful , cooperative, friendly, developed, prosperous, and happy Vietnam. To further enhance the effectiveness of external information work, the Prime Minister emphasized several key directions:

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Head of the Central Steering Committee on External Information Work, Director of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army Nguyen Trong Nghia, presented the first prize to the authors. (Photo: Hoai Nam/Vietnam+)

Firstly, we must adhere closely to the Party and State's foreign policy guidelines and policies, especially the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and Resolution 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo on international integration in the new situation; affirming a confident, self-reliant, self-sufficient, dynamic, and creative Vietnam that actively contributes to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Secondly, we need to innovate our thinking and methods, ensuring strategic proactiveness both in the short and long term; developing well-structured programs with rich content, attractive and persuasive formats, ensuring accessibility, modernity, and multimedia capabilities.

Thirdly, we must promote the application of digital technology and effectively utilize global communication platforms (social networks, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, big data, etc.) to attract and better serve both foreigners and domestic citizens.

Fourth, we must build a team of foreign information officers who are courageous, intellectually sharp, creative, responsible, and dedicated; who are committed and courageous, undeterred by difficulties and hardships, with the spirit of "steel in the pen, fire in the heart," and "using beauty to overcome ugliness, using positivity to push back negativity."

Fifth, leverage the combined strength of the entire political system; establish close and effective coordination mechanisms between ministries, departments, and localities; between domestic and international media; and form and develop an increasingly practical and effective network for external information dissemination.

Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Trinh Van Quyet and Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son present the second prize to the authors and groups of authors. (Photo: The Dai/Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his belief that the National Award for External Information will continue to create more momentum, inspire and energize those working in external information to fully utilize their talents, intellect, dedication, creativity, and responsibility, excellently fulfilling their assigned tasks and contributing increasingly practically and effectively to the cause of national construction, development, and defense in the new era.

The 11th National Award for External Information in 2025 attracted 2,412 entries, double the average number of entries in previous editions. The themes of the entries/products comprehensively covered important political, foreign affairs, and cultural events, as well as the country's achievements in various fields.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Lai Xuan Mon present the third prize to the authors and groups of authors. (Photo: Trong Hai/Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The awards recognize works/products in foreign information dissemination across eight categories: Vietnamese newspapers/magazines; foreign-language newspapers/magazines; radio; television; books; photographs; digital/multimedia products; and initiatives/products with valuable foreign information dissemination.

The entries submitted by foreign participants demonstrate a fresh understanding and perspective on Vietnam. This also marks the first time the competition has utilized digital technology, innovating the participation and judging methods with online methods.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/thong-tin-doi-ngoai-dua-hinh-anh-chan-thuc-song-dong-cua-viet-nam-ra-the-gioi-218361.html