Great national unity in the new era

In Ho Chi Minh’s ideological legacy, great national unity has always been placed at the center, becoming a long-term, consistent strategy of the Vietnamese revolution. He affirmed: “Unity, unity, great unity. Success, success, great success.” This was not only an action slogan but also a political and social philosophy imbued with humanism, rooted in the Vietnamese tradition of solidarity and mutual support, stemming from the tradition: “Oh gourd, love the pumpkin though different the breed; We share the same trellis, so be kind in deed.”

From the early days of his journey to seek a path for national salvation, President Ho Chi Minh recognized the immense strength of great national unity bloc. He believed that only by bringing together all strata of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or social status, could the Vietnamese people overcome colonial oppression and reclaim independence and freedom.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of Dong Nai Fatherland Front Committee Huynh Thi Hang together with local authorities and sponsors presents 30 computer sets to Loc Tan Secondary School (Loc Tan commune).

Great national unity - from ideology to revolutionary action

Throughout his revolutionary leadership, President Ho Chi Minh creatively applied and successfully organized forms of mass mobilization. From the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association, the United National Front, to the Viet Minh Front and the Vietnam Fatherland Front - all embodied the principle of “ taking the people as the root” and “using the people’s strength to liberate the people.”

President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: “In the sky, nothing is more precious than the people. In the world, nothing is stronger than the united force of the people.” It was precisely this strength of unity that made the August Revolution of 1945 possible, enabling our nation to rise from slavery to become the master of its own country. During the resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists, unity was the decisive factor that turned a small and impoverished nation into a heroic one, defeating two powerful empires and achieving feats admired around the world.

Entering the renewal era in 1986, the Party continued to apply and develop Ho Chi Minh’s thought on great national unity. By identifying the people as both the subject, the goal, and the driving force of the renewal cause, the great national unity bloc was further strengthened and expanded.

Thanks to fostering the strength of great national unity, Vietnam has achieved tremendous, historic achievements: sustained economic growth, improved living standards, a stronger political system, and an enhanced standing on international stage. Great unity was not only the “salvation” factor in the past but also the key to “national construction and defence” in the era of integration.

Ho Chi Minh’s thought on great national unity remains a guiding torch for the nation in all periods. Following President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings, the Party and people of Vietnam have been and will continue to preserve and promote the tradition of solidarity to build a strong, prosperous, democratic, fair, and civilized country.

Great national unity in the new context

As Vietnam enters a new stage of development, our nation faces both opportunities and challenges. Deep international integration opens up access to technology, capital, and markets, but also carries risks of lagging behind, widening the rich – poor gap, and negative effects from the downsides of the market economy. Meanwhile, hostile forces always seek ways to divide national unity through distortions, inciting religious and ethnic tensions, and exploiting democracy and human rights issues.

In that context, Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of great national unity holds even greater significance. The Communist Party of Vietnam has identified building the great national unity bloc as a strategic mission, a vital resource and driving force for realizing the goal of making Vietnam a developed, high-income country by 2045.

In the new era, for Ho Chi Minh’s thought on great unity to truly become a driver of development, it is essential to build an upright and effective political system capable of strengthening people’s trust. Such trust must be proven not only by words but by action - through anti-corruption efforts, listening to the people, and acting for the people. At the same time, there must be real mechanisms for citizens to participate in policymaking, feedback, and oversight, thereby affirming their role as “owners” rather than merely “beneficiaries.”

Another key task is to ignite the aspiration for development, transforming patriotism into the energy of innovation, creativity, and dedication, particularly among the younger generation. Great national unity must also be nurtured in diversity: the coexistence of 54 ethnic groups and multiple religions is a unique soft power of Vietnam. On a global scale, such unity bloc extends to the overseas Vietnamese community, which contributes intellectual, financial, and people-to-people diplomacy resources. With domestic cohesion and overseas support, Vietnam can confidently integrate, realizing its aspiration for prosperity and strength.

In a world of constant upheaval, only when “millions of people unite as one” can the nation overcome difficulties, seize opportunities, and fulfill the dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with global powers. This is also the most practical way to pay tribute to and carry forward the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh - the great leader of the Vietnamese nation.

By: Tu Huu Cong

Translated by: M.Nguyet-Thu Ha