In preparation for the 14th National Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, information and communication play a particularly important role in shaping public opinion, strengthening trust and spreading the vision and aspiration for national development. In an interview with the Nhan Dan Newspaper, Lai Xuan Mon, Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information and Mass Mobilization, and Director of the Press Center of the 14th National Party Congress, highlighted key achievements, major orientations and requirements for the press during the peak communication campaign toward the Congress.

The 14th National Party Congress is of special significance to the country’s new development stage. How do you assess information and communication work so far?

Lai Xuan Mon: The 14th National Party Congress marks a critical milestone. It not only reviews a term and a development journey but also establishes a strategic vision and defines the country’s path forward in a new era, the era of national resurgence toward realizing development goals for 2030 and 2045. Therefore, communication on Party congresses at all levels and the 14th National Party Congress has been identified as a particularly important political task, with the press serving as the core force. From early 2025, the Central Commission for Information and Mass Mobilization has provided leadership, guidance and orientation for media outlets to focus on this mission.

We have witnessed extraordinary efforts and significant contributions from the press. Media organizations proactively and effectively rolled out coordinated communication, creating a positive and widespread political atmosphere, highlighting unity, democracy, intellect and innovation. Timely, accurate and well-oriented reporting has helped shape public understanding of the Congress, the major achievements after 40 years of renewal, and especially the Party’s strategic decisions since August 2025.

Through communication, the press has helped the public recognize the openness, responsibility, intellect and democracy embedded in preparations for documents and personnel at all levels. Journalism has affirmed its “three-pillar role” of verification, clarification and public-opinion guidance, while resolutely countering false and toxic information thereby safeguarding political and ideological stability and strengthening trust in the Party, the State and the system. This has fostered a broad political campaign across the Party, the people and the armed forces, generating momentum and determination to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th Congress and ensure the success of the 14th National Party Congress.

In just the past three months, tens of thousands of news stories, articles and programs have been produced on the Congress and Party congresses at all levels. The revolutionary press has fully played its leading and vanguard role as the voice of the Party and State and a trusted forum for the people. Key political media outlets Nhan Dan, the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, Quan Doi Nhan Dan, Cong An Nhan Dan, along with central and local media have implemented well-structured plans and diverse, engaging coverage. This demonstrates that the press has effectively taken command of the information space, encouraging patriotism and national unity to realize the strategic goals set by the 13th Congress.

At the same time, establishing the Press Center for the 14th National Party Congress not only ensures accurate, timely and comprehensive information for journalists, but also reflects transparency, proactive engagement and dialogue, helping project an image of a peaceful, stable, innovative and developing Vietnam to domestic and international audiences.

The proactive and open provision of information has drawn particular attention. What specific requirements are set for the press?

Lai Xuan Mon: The guiding principle is proactive information provision avoiding passivity and ensuring reporting on the Congress is timely, accurate, comprehensive and persuasive. In today’s multi-dimensional media environment, failing to take the initiative risks losing control of the information arena.

The Central Commission has closely coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Journalists Association and relevant bodies to guide media outlets. Press agencies have invested resources and implemented systematic plans, generating strong social impact.

Media outlets have expanded dedicated sections, increased frequency and quality, and renewed content and formats. Coverage must be accurate, consistent, professional and persuasive, with journalism serving as the mainstream current that guides public opinion and the online space. The press should not shy away from countering misinformation and hostile narratives.

Specifically, reporting should highlight the political, historical and strategic stature of the 14th National Party Congress underscoring the Party’s vision, national achievements, the people’s aspirations and determination for renewal and Party building. Journalism must not only inform but also inspire trust and positive momentum.

Personnel and document preparations should be communicated with openness, transparency, rigor and democracy, helping the public understand that processes are scientific and compliant, and that nominees are truly exemplary in capability, integrity and credibility. Media must take the lead to prevent distortions by hostile forces.

In form, outlets should invest in digital technologies to create distinctive, high-quality products, short videos, features, livestreams and online forums to reach younger audiences and enhance dissemination.

What should journalists and media organizations focus on to fulfill this political mission?

Lai Xuan Mon: Every article and media product at this time should help shape the national political atmosphere, strengthen public trust and spread the aspiration for national advancement. Journalism must be a force that creates positive information flows.

International communication around the 14th National Party Congress is also an opportunity to convey the message of a Vietnam that is innovative, united, dynamic and confident, resilient in overcoming challenges and emerging as a bright spot in socio-economic development. This requires heightened responsibility, professionalism and integrity from journalists, reaffirming the values of Vietnam’s revolutionary press: Loyal - Courageous - Agile - Intelligent - Humane - Disciplined - Creative.

Thank you very much!