Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the 4th Industrial Revolution High-Level Forum. (Photo: VNA)

What matters most, Mr. Chinh said, is to maximize human happiness, while maintaining political stability and building a socialist-oriented market economy without sacrificing social security, the environment, progress or social justice in pursuit of economic growth.

The Covid-19 pandemic has threatened human rights in many ways and impeded  the Vietnamese Government’s effort to ensure people's rights. Vietnam now has the pandemic basically under control, has weathered the worst of the crisis, and is adapting to the new normal. Two months after its pandemic policy shift, Vietnam's economy is projected to grow 2.5%-3% in 2021. The macroeconomy is stable, inflation is controlled, and major balances are ensured. Imports and exports have surged, there is a trade surplus and foreign investment has increased. Supply chains, production, and labor chains are reviving. Social security is guaranteed, people's lives are stable, the confidence of people and businesses, investors, and foreign friends is gaining momentum. Political stability, national security, and defense are being maintained. The spirit of great national unity is strong.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates visit the Virtual Reality Exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam has issued the National Digital Transformation Program to 2025 with a Vision to 2030, taking advantage of 4^th Industrial Revolution achievements to shift to an effective sustainable development model, help people better exercise their rights to health, education, culture, society, and prosperity and the right to participate in legislation and live in a state governed by law.

This year Vietnam prepared for the first time its voluntary Mid-term Report on the implementation of recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle III, which will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Vietnam has shown its responsibility, transparency, and seriousness towards the UPR and its honoring of international commitments on human rights.

Vietnam’s economic development and international integration achievements have created resources for the enjoyment of human rights and growth quality, with commitments on labor and sustainable development. This is a testament to its consistent, overarching human rights policy. As the 13^th National Party Congress Resolution put it: "The people are both the center and the players." Simultaneously, it is the driving force and the goal of the whole society to build a better world after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the pillars of Vietnam‘s recovery and development – improving healthcare and social security; supporting businesses; building strategic infrastructure, including digital transformation infrastructure; fine-tuning institutions; putting human resources at the center; continuously improving people's lives; maintaining political and social stability; strengthening national defense and security; enhancing foreign affairs and international integration; and creating a favorable environment for national development.

According to the Prime Minister, the most humane human right in Vietnam is taking care of 100 million people so that they will live a happy, prosperous, democratic, peaceful, and safe life.