Vietnam stands at a historic turning point. Entering a new era, the nation must not only rely on its internal strength but also adapt to global trends to accelerate development.

The combination of national power and the power of the era is essential for achieving both breakthrough growth and sustainable progress.

A new era of transformation and progress

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General Secretary To Lam with Party members and students at the National Academy of Politics. Photo: National Academy of Politics

As Vietnam celebrates 95 years of the Communist Party’s leadership, it has successfully navigated through multiple historical epochs: the fight for national independence (1930–1975), the era of reunification and reform (1975–2025), and now, the era of national advancement, which begins with the 14th Party Congress.

Speaking at the National Academy of Politics, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that this moment is marked by the unity of the Party and the people in their shared aspiration to build a prosperous and happy nation.

He defined this new era as a period of bold transformation, resilience, and confidence, where Vietnam must overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and strive for great achievements.

According to To Lam, the ultimate goal of this era is to create a wealthy and strong Vietnam, firmly integrated into the global community under the leadership of the Communist Party.

The new era calls for every citizen to contribute toward a united national effort, leveraging all available advantages to propel the country forward.

Uniting national and global strengths

Throughout history, Vietnam’s most significant victories have come from combining internal unity with global alliances. This principle, championed by President Ho Chi Minh, was rooted in the Marxist-Leninist ideology of international solidarity.

By linking Vietnam’s revolutionary movement with global struggles, Ho Chi Minh positioned the nation within the broader landscape of world progress and liberation.

However, at certain historical moments, Vietnam’s perception of global integration was limited due to internal and external challenges.

Recognizing this, the 6th National Party Congress in 1986 - which marked the beginning of Vietnam’s Doi Moi (reform) era - declared that the nation must learn to harmonize national strength with global advancements.

This principle was reinforced in the 7th and 11th National Party Congresses, which emphasized the need to balance domestic independence with international cooperation.

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General Secretary To Lam. Photo: Pham Hai

Vietnam’s experience during the reform period demonstrated the practical value of integrating national power with global influence.

From a nation under economic sanctions and isolation, Vietnam emerged as a global economic player, establishing diplomatic relations with 193 UN member states. It became one of the world’s 40 largest economies and one of the top 20 countries in trade and foreign investment.

As former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong once stated: "Never before has our country had such strength, status, and international influence as it does today."

This remarkable progress was only possible because Vietnam successfully combined its internal resilience with global engagement.

The challenges and opportunities of a new era

As Vietnam enters this new era of growth and global integration, the challenge now is to build upon past successes while adapting to rapid global changes.

According to General Secretary To Lam, the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and the period from now until 2030 will be crucial for shaping a new global order.

Vietnam must remain proactive and strategically navigate these changes. To achieve this, the country must:

Enhance domestic innovation and self-reliance

Adapt quickly to technological advancements

Maximize global partnerships while maintaining national sovereignty

General Secretary To Lam highlighted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution - especially advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technology - presents an unprecedented opportunity for Vietnam.

By leveraging these new technologies, the country can leapfrog ahead in global development and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Vietnam’s ability to harness national strength while embracing global opportunities will determine its future.

The country must continue to adapt, innovate, and build strong international alliances, ensuring its place among the world’s leading nations.

Dr. Pham Minh The