Building and developing a genuine culture as a foundation, an endogenous resource, a soft power, and a driving force for rapid and sustainable national development in the new era.

Vietnamese culture is the culmination of the nation's finest values ​​throughout its millennia-long history of nation-building and defense. It is a vital intrinsic resource that nurtures the intellect, soul, spirit, and character of the Vietnamese people.

In particular, whenever the country faces danger, difficulties, and challenges, it is the spirit of national unity, the tradition of patriotism, the will for independence and self-reliance, and the love, sharing, and mutual support that have formed an unparalleled strength to enable the country to steadily write golden pages of history.

Tracing back through history, from the very beginning of the Party's existence, amidst the many important and urgent tasks of preparing for the general uprising to overthrow the fascist, colonial, and feudal regimes and establish a democratic and republican regime, our Party and our beloved President Ho Chi Minh identified the special position of culture. The 1943 Outline on Vietnamese Culture – the Party's first platform on culture – established culture as one of the three fronts (political, economic, and cultural), reflecting the Party's thinking, vision, and profound concern for cultural development. Beyond its close and organic relationship with other aspects of social life, the "new culture" established in the Outline also demonstrated progressive theoretical value by placing human beings at the center. The position of human beings lies in the Party's leadership role in cultural and artistic work; And importantly, the masses are the subjects of culture, the force that creates, transmits, preserves, and promotes cultural values.

Three years after the Outline was issued, at the First National Cultural Conference, which opened on November 24, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh further emphasized the guiding and leading role of culture in the development of the country and nation through the affirmation that "Culture must guide the nation in achieving independence, self-reliance, and self-determination," and "Culture illuminates the path for the nation to follow."

Since then, throughout successive Party Congresses, Resolutions, Conclusions, and Directives of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat have consistently emphasized that culture is the spiritual foundation of society, serving as both a goal and a driving force for development. Culture has nurtured the soul and identity, from the heroic melodies of the resistance culture to the confident dances of integrated sports with aspirations for excellence, to the steps taken by tourism to bring the country to the world, and the press becoming a conduit of knowledge connecting trust between the Party and the people.

At the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Party affirmed that "...the tasks must be closely linked and implemented synchronously, with socio-economic development as the central focus; Party building as the key; cultural development as the spiritual foundation; and ensuring national defense and security as a crucial and ongoing priority." The Congress pointed out the central task as: "To awaken the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country; to promote the cultural values ​​and strength of the Vietnamese people in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland and integrating into the international community."

Looking back on the past period, especially the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party, under the close, comprehensive, and profound leadership and guidance of the Central Committee, directly and regularly by the Politburo and the Secretariat, headed by the General Secretary; the attention and support of the National Assembly; the decisive and creative direction and management of the Government and the Prime Minister; the joint efforts and solidarity of those working in culture, information, sports, and tourism nationwide; and the consensus and support of all strata of the people as the subjects of cultural creation, culture has gradually "permeated" all fields and activities of life; and especially, it has inspired and awakened pride in the glorious history and fine traditional cultural values ​​in the young generation of Vietnam, contributing positively to the overall achievements of the country. Through its culture and cultural context, Vietnam's image as a "safe, friendly, peaceful, hospitable, integrated, and developing" country, with its rich cultural identity, is widely known to international friends, winning numerous prestigious international awards such as World's Leading Heritage Destination and Asia's Leading Cultural Destination.

Looking back at 2025 – a year marked by many significant political events for the country, and also the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Culture Sector – General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address at the ceremony. The General Secretary affirmed: “80 years – a journey full of emotions, difficulties, hardships, and sacrifices, but also immense glory, demonstrating the aspirations of a nation that has always known how to use culture as its spiritual foundation, its inner strength, and as a guiding light for all victories.”

With the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam about to open, our country is entering a new era. 2026 will be the first year that the entire Party, people, and army implement the Resolution of the 14th National Congress; simultaneously, it will also be the first year of implementing Resolution No. 80 NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, of the Politburo "On the Development of Vietnamese Culture," the "National Target Program on the Development of Vietnamese Culture for the period 2025-2035," along with the system of policies, strategies, and projects approved by competent authorities at all levels. Culture must lead the way, permeate every decision, shape human dignity, social ethics, and national character; truly becoming a solid foundation and intrinsic strength, contributing to the goal of rapid and sustainable development and the two centenary goals set by the Party, State, and people of Vietnam.

In a world predicted to continue to change rapidly and complexly, with increasingly fierce competition among great powers, including competition for cultural values ​​and influence, all nations are striving to position their role in the new world order, especially their "cultural standing." This requires high determination, great effort, and decisive action from officials working in culture, information, sports, and tourism nationwide to achieve the desired results.

Deeply aware of its responsibility for cultural development entrusted by the Party, State, and Government, the entire Culture, Sports, and Tourism sector will continue to conduct in-depth research and enhance a more comprehensive and profound understanding of culture in accordance with the spirit of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party and Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW dated January 7, 2026, of the Politburo, primarily in state management agencies for culture, information, sports, and tourism: Effectively fulfilling its advisory role to Party committees and governments at all levels to ensure that culture develops in parallel with politics, economics, and society. Developing culture and human resources is the foundation, an important endogenous resource, a great driving force, a pillar, and a regulating system for the rapid and sustainable development of the country. We need "Correct understanding to act beautifully." Effectively implement the industry's thematic message: "Culture is the foundation - Information is the conduit - Sports is the strength - Tourism is the connecting bridge".

Simultaneously, it is necessary to promptly institutionalize the Party's resolutions and conclusions on culture, perfecting a comprehensive, feasible, and easily implementable legal system that is compatible with the key resolutions issued by the Politburo in recent times; especially in the context of developing digital culture, digital economy, digital citizens, and decentralization and delegation of power to localities. Review and address legal "bottlenecks," "obstacles," and gaps, especially in the fields of performing arts, literature, and some cultural industries, to advise on adjustments, additions, and amendments, creating mechanisms to exploit, create, and maximize resources for the sustainable development of culture, information, sports, and tourism.

Focus on effectively implementing the three strategic breakthroughs with many new contents established in the Political Report of the 14th National Congress of the Party on institutions, infrastructure, and human resources in culture, sports, information, and tourism, within the context of a digital government, digital environment, digital economy, and digital society. Proactively reorganize and streamline the organizational structure towards a lean, strong, effective, and efficient system; thoroughly decentralize power to localities and grassroots levels. Build a team of cadres, civil servants, public employees, and workers with the qualities and capabilities to meet the requirements of the new context. Strengthen the training and development of cadres, especially young cadres with expertise, prestige, ethics, and development prospects; at the same time, identify, nurture, and create a pool of cadres, creative activists, directors, artists, actors, athletes, journalists, etc., to ensure continuous succession. In particular, priority will be given to training human resources in the fields of digital creativity and traditional arts. The development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation across all sectors of the industry will be strongly promoted. The national cultural data infrastructure and digital platforms will be built and effectively utilized, ensuring synchronous connectivity with national databases. A significant transformation will be achieved in the operation and management of mass media and new media platforms.

Focus on realizing the viewpoint that "Culture is the foundation." Accordingly, the Ministry and relevant sectors will continue to promote the building of a cultural environment, considering it the root for building an advanced culture, rich in national identity, and unified in diversity. Emphasis will be placed on solutions to build a modern, humane cultural environment rich in national identity in each family, community, agency, and enterprise; integrating culture deeply into social life, fostering a spirit of solidarity, self-confidence, self-reliance, self-strength, and national pride. The national value system, cultural values, Vietnamese family values, and human standards will be perfected and implemented; moral degradation, lifestyle issues, and social evils will be prevented. The gap in cultural enjoyment between regions will be narrowed, with particular attention paid to remote areas, ethnic minorities, islands, and border regions.

The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values ​​must be given greater importance, so that "heritage becomes a special asset and commodity" that brings tangible value to the economic and social development of the country. This includes accelerating the digitalization of heritage sites nationwide; preserving, restoring, and organizing traditional festivals effectively; and effectively linking heritage and tourism. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop and finalize scientific dossiers for submission to UNESCO for recognition and inscription of cultural heritage sites.

Implement comprehensive strategies, initiatives, and breakthrough solutions to promote the development of Vietnam's cultural industries. Strengthen connections, increase product value, and transform cultural values ​​into national soft power. Review and improve laws on copyright and related rights, as well as mechanisms and policies supporting the development of the cultural industry, including taxation, land, and access to credit. Simultaneously, promote the application of science, technology, and digital technology in the development of these industries.

Implement strong solutions to ensure that the press, media, and publishing truly act as an internal "conductor," regulating the stability and balance of social life. Innovate the content and methods of external information activities, introducing and spreading the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends; improve the quality of valuable books and book series, diversify book exhibitions and fairs, contributing to promoting reading culture and building a learning society.

Focus on developing Vietnamese sports and physical education to a new level, so that "a strong people leads to a prosperous nation." Implement comprehensive solutions to realize the message: "Tourism is a bridge connecting" - connecting cultures, connecting people, connecting heritage regions - connecting Vietnam with friends around the world.

One term has ended with many profound achievements. A new term, with a new journey of development, new springs are approaching, carrying with it so much faith and aspirations. With the mindset of "Looking far ahead, thinking deeply, doing big," the entire Culture, Information, Sports and Tourism sector will constantly innovate, constantly create, always "maintaining the rhythm and creating new rhythms that are more comprehensive, more intellectual, and more humane," upholding the motto: "Decisive action - Aspiration to contribute," so that the flow of time may pass, but the achievements and milestones of today will always be a solid foundation for tomorrow and forever after. With the ultimate goal of building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to become the intrinsic strength, foundation, and driving force of development, and the regulating system for the rapid and sustainable development of the country in the new era - an era of striving for prosperity, wealth, democracy, fairness, civilization, flourishing, and happiness for the nation.