External information affirms its strategic role in the new era.

Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Politburo member, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Head of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army Nguyen Trong Nghia present the first prize to the winning works and authors in the field of foreign affairs information. Photo: Hai Nguyen

On the evening of December 12th, in Hanoi , Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the award ceremony for the 11th National Award for External Information - 2025.

Attending the event were: Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, Head of the Steering Committee for External Information Work, and Director of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army Nguyen Trong Nghia; Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Trinh Van Quyet; and Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.

At the awards ceremony, the Prime Minister and leaders of the Party, State, ministries, and agencies, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, presented 8 first prizes; 16 second prizes; 24 third prizes and 40 consolation prizes to outstanding works and authors.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech. Photo: Hai Nguyen

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that external information work plays an important role and has strategic significance, receiving special attention and guidance from the Party and the State. Despite facing many difficulties and challenges, external information work has achieved many outstanding results in recent times.

The Prime Minister assessed that the National Award for External Information is of great significance, contributing to affirming the role and influence of external information work.

The authors and works that won second prize. Photo: Hai Nguyen

Building on the success of previous editions, this year's awards have six outstanding features:

Firstly, it attracted widespread participation from central and local agencies, the press, organizations, businesses, researchers, etc. (attracting 2,412 entries, double the average number of previous editions).

Secondly, the themes comprehensively cover important events and achievements of the country, the Party and State's innovative policies and guidelines, and promote the image of Vietnam, its people, and its cultural values.

Thirdly, the quality of the works has improved, reflecting the thinking, vision, creativity, and meticulousness of the authors.

Fourth, the forms of expression are diverse and modern, strongly applying new forms and media, including digital media.

Fifthly, the entries submitted by foreigners demonstrate a deep, positive understanding and a fresh, rich perspective on Vietnam.

Sixth, the organization of the competition has undergone many innovations, including the first-time application of digital technology, a reformed method of participation and online judging; and a significant increase in prize value.

The authors and works that won third prize. Photo: Hai Nguyen

According to the Prime Minister, in the new era of development, along with national defense and security, foreign affairs are identified as crucial and ongoing tasks, contributing to protecting the Fatherland early and from afar, and promoting rapid and sustainable national development.

In this context, external information work plays a very important role, being a strategic component in the overall national soft power.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to innovate thinking and methods, ensuring strategic proactiveness both in the short and long term; building well-structured programs with rich content, attractive and persuasive formats, ensuring accessibility, modernity, and multimedia capabilities.

Promoting the application of digital technology and effectively utilizing global communication platforms (social networks, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, big data, etc.) will attract and better serve both foreigners and domestic citizens.

Building a team of foreign information officers who are courageous, intellectually sharp, creative, responsible, dedicated, and visionary; who are wholeheartedly committed, courageous, and undeterred by difficulties and hardships, using positive actions to overcome negative ones.

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