General Secretary To Lam delivered a speech at the Congress. Photo: VOV

With approximately 22 million young people, nearly 21% of the population, Vietnam's youths are the main force boosting national development.

Youths’ pioneering role

Since the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1930, which originated from the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, young Vietnamese have been trailblazers in revolutionary movements. Many key Party leaders, including Tran Phu, Nguyen Van Cu, Le Hong Phong, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, began their impactful career in their early 20s.

Youths have always stood at the forefront in struggles for national independence, in national renewal, and in the current development of science, technology, and innovation. Their contributions have been crucial to the significant milestones achieved over 80 years of national development and nearly 40 years of national renewal.

General Secretary To Lam took a group photo with delegates (Photo: VOV)

As Vietnam strives to usher in a new era of prosperity under the Party's leadership, youths’ contributions are indispensable. Speaking at the Congress, General Secretary To Lam said: "Whether the nation can advance into in the new era of rise and stand shoulder to shoulder with world powers by 2045, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh and aspired to by the whole nation, hinges largely on the contributions of our youth—the future generation who follow in the predecessors' footsteps and shoulder the task of building and defending the Fatherland."

At the heart of national strategies

Vietnam faces both opportunities and challenges, including economic pressures and declining labor productivity growth. As Vietnam advances in strategic technology, digital transformation, and green development on a foundation of technology and innovation, greater engagement by youths needs to be promoted.

General Secretary Lam urged relevant agencies to be aware of the importance of youth affairs and prioritize youth-related initiatives, and asked the Politburo to issue a Resolution on youth work in the new era of national rise in order to define specific goals, tasks, and strategic solutions to harness the strengths of young people and align their efforts with the nation’s aspiration to be on a par with global powers.

The Party leader directed relevant departments to strengthen coordination to address policy-related bottlenecks and identify and nurture talents while helping them maximize their potential and contributions to the nation.

General Secretary Lam highlighted the challenging and long-term nature of building socialism. He urged youths to adapt, innovate, and master science and technology to contribute to the nation’s future.

“With youth’s glorious missions ahead in the new revolutionary period, young people play their role in socio-economic development, demonstrating their leadership, accountability, and determination. They must be the vanguard force in education, training, personal development, and mastering science and technology,” said Mr. Lam.

The Party leader said the Vietnamese Party and State have unwavering trust in the country’s youths, recognizing them as central to the nation’s major endeavors, and considering them the key force in shaping and developing the future of the nation. The success and growth of youths is a testament to the Party’s vision, the triumph of the revolutionary cause, and the enduring strength of the nation.