Towards the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnam Economic News respectfully introduces an article by Nguyen Van Hung, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, entitled “Building and developing culture into a true foundation, endogenous resource, soft power and driving force for rapid and sustainable national development in the new era.” 

Vietnamese culture represents the crystallisation of the nation’s finest values forged through thousands of years of nation-building and defence. It is a vital endogenous resource that nurtures the intellect, soul, fortitude and character of the Vietnamese people.

Notably, whenever the country faces hardship, danger and formidable challenges, it is the spirit of great national unity, the tradition of patriotism, the will for independence and self-reliance, together with mutual compassion and solidarity, that converges into an unparalleled strength, enabling the nation to move forward and inscribe glorious chapters in its history.

Tracing back through history, from the earliest days of the Party’s establishment, amid the urgent and critical preparations for the general uprising to overthrow fascist and feudal colonialist rule and establish a democratic republic, the Party and beloved President Ho Chi Minh clearly recognised the special position of culture. The Outline of Vietnamese Culture in 1943, the Party’s first cultural platform, defined culture as one of the three key fronts alongside politics and the economy, reflecting the Party’s strategic vision and profound commitment to cultural development.

Beyond its close and organic relationship with other spheres of social life, the “new culture” articulated in the Outline also embodies progressive theoretical value by placing people at the centre. This central position is reflected in the Party’s leadership over cultural and artistic work, and, more importantly, in recognising the people as the true subjects of culture, the creators, transmitters, custodians and promoters of cultural values.

Three years later, at the first National Cultural Conference on November 24, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh further underscored the guiding and leading role of culture in national development, affirming that “culture must guide the people towards independence, self-reliance and autonomy” and that “culture lights the path for the nation.”

Since then, throughout successive Party congresses and through resolutions, conclusions and directives issued by the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat, culture is consistently affirmed as the spiritual foundation of society, both an objective and a driving force of development. Culture nurtures the national soul and identity, from the heroic melodies of resistance culture to the confident movements of sports in an era of integration, from the aspirations to rise higher to the footsteps of tourism carrying Vietnam to the world, while journalism serves as a vital conduit of knowledge, reinforcing trust between the Party and the people.

At the 13th National Congress of the Party, it is reaffirmed that “tasks must be closely interconnected and synchronously implemented, with socio-economic development as the central task; Party building as the key task; cultural development as the spiritual foundation; and national defence and security as regular and critical priorities.” The Congress identifies a central mission: “to ignite aspirations for a prosperous and happy Vietnam, and to promote cultural values and the strength of the Vietnamese people in national construction, defence and international integration.”

Looking back on the recent period, particularly the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Congress, under the close, comprehensive and profound leadership of the Party Central Committee, directly and regularly by the Politburo and the Secretariat, headed by the General Secretary, together with the close support of the National Assembly, the decisive and creative direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, the collective efforts of those working in culture, information, sports and tourism nationwide, and the broad consensus and support of the people as the subjects of cultural creation, culture gradually permeates all fields and activities of social life. Importantly, it inspires pride in the nation’s heroic history and fine traditional cultural values among the younger generation, making a meaningful contribution to the country’s overall achievements.

Through culture and from culture, the image of Vietnam as a “safe, friendly, peaceful, hospitable, integrating and developing” country with a rich cultural identity has become widely known to international friends, earning many prestigious global awards such as World’s Leading Heritage Destination and Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination.

Looking back at 2025, a year marked by major political events of the country and the 80th anniversary of the Culture Sector, General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address at the commemoration ceremony. He affirmed: “Eighty years, a journey full of emotion, hardship, sacrifice yet immense glory have demonstrated the aspirations of a nation that has always taken culture as its spiritual foundation, its endogenous strength and its guiding torch for every victory.”

As the 14th National Congress approaches, the country is entering a new era. The year 2026 marks the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Congress, as well as the first year of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026 on the development of Vietnamese culture, the National Target Programme on Cultural Development for 2025 - 2035, together with a system of policies, strategies and projects approved by competent authorities.

Culture must go ahead to light the way, permeate every policy decision, shape human dignity, social ethics and national character, and truly become a solid foundation and endogenous strength, contributing to rapid and sustainable development and the achievement of the two centennial goals set by the Party, the State and the people.

In a world forecast to continue experiencing rapid and complex changes, with intensifying major-power competition, including competition over values and cultural influence, countries are striving to define their positions in a new world order. In this context, “cultural standing” requires the cultural, information, sports and tourism workforce nationwide to demonstrate high determination, great effort and decisive action.

Fully aware of the responsibility entrusted by the Party, the State and the Government, the culture, sports and tourism sector will continue to deepen research and enhance comprehensive awareness of culture in the spirit of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress and Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, particularly within state management agencies. Culture must be developed on par with politics, economy and society; cultural and human development must serve as the foundation, vital endogenous resource, major driving force, pillar and regulatory system for rapid and sustainable national development. Correct awareness must lead to proper action. The sector will effectively implement its theme message: “Culture is the foundation - Information is the conduit - Sports are strength - Tourism is the bridge of connection.”

At the same time, resolutions and conclusions of the Party on culture will be promptly institutionalised; the legal framework will be completed in a coherent, feasible and practical manner, aligned with key Politburo resolutions, especially in the context of digital culture, digital economy and digital citizens, and decentralisation to localities. Bottlenecks and legal gaps, particularly in performing arts, literature and cultural industries, will be reviewed and addressed to unlock resources for sustainable development.

The sector will focus on implementing the three strategic breakthroughs identified in the Political Report of the 14th National Congress, institutions, infrastructure and human resources, within the context of digital government, digital economy and digital society.

Organisational restructuring will be pursued towards a streamlined, effective and efficient apparatus, with thorough decentralisation and delegation of authority. A contingent of capable, ethical and competent officials will be built to meet new requirements.

Training and capacity building, especially for young cadres and creative talents, will be strengthened to ensure continuity, with priority given to digital creativity and traditional arts. Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation will be strongly promoted across all sectors.

National cultural data infrastructure and digital platforms will be developed and effectively utilised, ensuring connectivity with national databases. Strong changes will be fostered in the operation and management of mass media and new media platforms.

The viewpoint that “Culture is the foundation” will be fully realised by building a modern, humane and identity-rich cultural environment in families, communities, agencies and enterprises, allowing culture to permeate social life, inspire unity, self-reliance and national pride, and narrow disparities in cultural access across regions.

Cultural heritage preservation and promotion will be enhanced so that heritage truly becomes a valuable asset contributing to socio-economic development, through digitisation, restoration, festival organisation and linkage with tourism, as well as UNESCO recognition.

Breakthrough strategies will be implemented to develop Vietnam’s cultural industries, transform cultural values into national soft power, improve legal frameworks on copyright, and promote digital technology application.

Journalism, communication and publishing will be strengthened as internal conduits regulating social balance, while external communication will be renewed to promote Vietnam’s image globally. Sports will be developed to new heights, and tourism will serve as a bridge connecting cultures, people, regions and Vietnam with the world.

A term has closed with profound imprints; a new term opens with renewed journeys and aspirations. With the spirit of “looking far, thinking deep and acting boldly,” the culture, information, sports and tourism sector will continue to innovate and create, firmly upholding the motto “Decisive action - Aspiration to contribute,” ensuring that today’s achievements remain a solid foundation for tomorrow and beyond. With the highest goal of developing Vietnamese culture and people into an endogenous strength, foundation and driving force for rapid and sustainable development, Vietnam moves confidently into a new era, an era of prosperity, strength, democracy, equity, civilisation and happiness.