Culture is the foundation for development.

The Politburo's unanimous decision to choose November 24th as Vietnam Culture Day is not merely a symbolic act; it is a clear policy message about cultured individuals and the depth of socio-cultural values.

Passengers line up to board Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: Q.D.

November 24th could become a "day of returning to our roots." Each sector, each locality, each individual should ask themselves: have we lived culturally? Are we contributing to enriching or impoverishing the shared cultural environment?

In this new era of development, culture is no longer an "auxiliary" element but must return to its rightful place – the foundation, driving force, and regulator for the sustainable development of the country.

November 24th is not a one-day story.

For many years we have talked a lot about economic growth, institutional reform, attracting investment, and digital transformation.

But during that same period, society continuously faced subtle crises such as moral degradation, school violence, pragmatism in lifestyles, a breakdown of trust, and the erosion of family and community values.

When people are caught up in the struggle for survival and competition, culture – the very thing that helps people truly "be human" – is often pushed aside.

Resolution 80 of the Politburo re-established priorities. The viewpoint that "cultural and human development is the foundation, an important endogenous resource, and a great driving force" shows a strategic shift: development cannot be measured solely by GDP but must be measured by the quality of human resources and the depth of socio-cultural life.

Therefore, dedicating a day to culture should not be simply understood as adding another holiday. If it only involves rest, tourism , or shopping, Vietnamese Culture Day will easily become a mere formality. More importantly, it should create a moment of reflection for society as a whole.

Each individual, family, and community has the opportunity to return to fundamental values: reading books, watching plays, listening to music, visiting museums, exploring historical sites, gathering with family, and thinking about and practicing a civilized and compassionate way of life.

Vietnamese Culture Day also serves as a reminder that culture is not something far-fetched, not just found in festivals or grand stages, but is present in the way we interact with each other every day: from traffic, school, workplace, social media to markets and restaurants.

Culture is about respecting the law, keeping promises, queuing, apologizing, showing gratitude, and not harming others for personal gain.

Culture permeates daily life.

The resolution also demonstrates a practical approach by linking cultural development with specific resources. Allocating at least 2% of the total annual state budget to culture is a strong commitment, because without investment, there can be no development.

Along with that are clear objectives: digitizing 100% of ranked cultural heritage, ensuring 100% of students have regular access to arts activities, and cultural industries making an increasingly significant contribution to GDP.

Notably, the Politburo placed a strong emphasis on the cultural industry and national soft power. In a world where competition is based on image, identity, and creativity, culture is not only a spiritual asset but also an economic resource.

Cinema, music, performing arts, design, fashion, cultural tourism... if invested in the right direction, can absolutely become "soft ambassadors" bringing the image of Vietnam to the world.

However, culture cannot develop through administrative orders or budgets alone. The decisive factor remains the people – from artists, artisans, and intellectuals to every ordinary citizen.

Therefore, emphasizing policies that provide fair treatment for artists and artisans, as well as training and attracting cultural talent, is crucial. A society that does not appreciate creators can hardly expect great works or lasting values.

Cultural development is not a matter of a day, a year, or a resolution. It is a long-term process that requires patience, consistency, and social consensus.

Choosing Vietnam Culture Day is an important milestone, but its true value can only be affirmed when culture permeates every policy decision and every aspect of daily life.

When culture truly takes root, development will not only be faster but also more humane, more sustainable, and the Vietnamese people will be at the center, the ultimate goal of all strategies for the future.

NGUYEN VIET QUOC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/van-hoa-lam-goc-cho-phat-trien-20260116232943934.htm