Harnessing the strength of youth in national construction and defence

The entire political system and all strata of the people across the country, including the younger generation, are focusing on implementing patriotic emulation movements to celebrate the success of the provincial-level Party Congresses, in the lead-up to the 14th National Party Congress, with full confidence, excitement, and expectations.

Young union members congratulate candidates taking the entrance exam for grade 10 in Dong Nai at the end of May 2025. Photo: Lam Vien

Meanwhile, hostile forces and political opportunists have been “borrowing” recent international current affairs to carry out incitement tactics, seeking to create negative impacts on political security and social order in our country.

Vietnam maintains socio-political stability for development

Taking advantage of the violent protests that recently occurred in Nepal and some other areas led by “Gen Z” youth (those born between 1997 and 2012), several social media accounts have continuously posted distorted and provocative information targeting young people, with the intention of disrupting security and order in our country. In these posts, many dangerous arguments are embedded, ranging from “acting in the name of patriotism” to fabricating and “smearing” the domestic socio-economic situation, and ultimately inciting and encouraging Vietnamese youth to commit violent, unlawful acts.

In fact, countries and organizations around the world are actively taking action and calling for the resolution of conflicts in a few regions of the world in the spirit of mutual respect, strict compliance with international law and the UN Charter, and resolving disagreements by peaceful means and dialogue, avoiding armed conflict.

In particular, above all, the Vietnamese people are peace-loving, having gone through thousands of years of struggle against foreign invaders to safeguard national independence and freedom for the country and peace for the people. The more deeply the Vietnamese people understand the value of peace, the more clearly they realize that a developed, progressive, and civilized country cannot be built upon political instability, riots, and casualties.

Colonel Pham Huu Hoan, Chairman of the Tri An commune Veterans’ Association in Dong Nai province, said: In general, the distorted and provocative rhetoric of hostile forces and political opportunists all aim at the deeper goal of eliminating the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the socialist system in our country. They seek to sow doubt to erode the people’s trust in the Party and the State, divide the great national unity bloc, and incite oppositional thinking, causing social disorder and instability. All are intended to gradually overthrow the regime and impose a development trajectory according to their designs.

The Vietnamese people also understand better than anyone that the birth of the Communist Party of Vietnam was like a torch lighting the path for the Vietnamese revolution from the victory in the struggle for national liberation to impressive achievements on the path of national development and international integration. One thing must be affirmed that Vietnam always cherishes peace and stability and will actively act to safeguard that peace and stability. With appropriate guidelines and policies in each period, our Party and State have always maintained political stability and security, social order, and safety, without being passive or surprised. Socio-political stability is the fundamental basis for all comprehensive development of the country. In particular, the great national unity bloc has been consolidated and is a source of strength that nothing can break.

Young people actively contribute to national construction and defense

According to Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai province, and Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union Nguyen Minh Kien, in the context of globalization and the information boom, Vietnamese youth, especially Gen Z, are both a pioneering force and a group easily influenced by various information streams, particularly conflicting information. If the work of educating ideals, ethics, and lifestyles is neglected, it will lead to unpredictable consequences, young people may be easily influenced, lose direction, and lack the ability to distinguish right from wrong amid the “sea of information” on social networks.

“In that situation, strengthening the education of revolutionary ideals, ethics, and lifestyles for young people becomes a central task of decisive significance in protecting the Party’s ideological foundation, maintaining political and social stability, and promoting the strength of the young generation in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Education on revolutionary ideals, ethics, and lifestyles is the foundation that shapes political will, belief, and orientation for young people. As a result, it forms human qualities that are both traditional and modern, including a sense of responsibility, respect for the law, compassion, and a spirit of community service; not being swept away by the crowd, not acting impulsively or extremely, especially when faced with sensitive or provocative information,” said Nguyen Minh Kien, Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union.

Under the sound and skillful leadership of the Party, the flexible and effective administration of the State, and the joint efforts and contributions of the entire people, Vietnam has consistently maintained political stability and social order and safety, thereby achieving comprehensive and impressive development accomplishments.

Our Party has always regarded the Youth Union as the Party’s “effective right hand,” placing great trust and expectations on it in the cause of building and defending the socialist Fatherland. To be worthy of the Party’s trust and their mission, Vietnamese youth have upheld the spirit of “wherever youth are needed, they will be there; whatever is difficult, youth will take it on.” Many young teachers have committed themselves to remote schools and villages; many young officials and soldiers “stay awake so that the people can sleep in peace, stand guard so that the people can enjoy life”; and some have even had to sacrifice their lives in peacetime to protect the peaceful lives of the people. These are vivid, persuasive examples for the younger generation to study, follow, and spread, while countering the malicious, inciting rhetoric of hostile forces.

As the vanguard revolutionary force, the pillar of the nation, and the future owners of the country, more and more young union members today are deeply aware of their responsibilities to their homeland and country.

Pupil Nguyen Ngoc Gia An, grade 11, Luong The Vinh High School for the Gifted in Dong Nai province, shared: “In this era of integration and globalization, as Vietnam is gradually affirming its position on the international stage, I clearly understand that I need to constantly strive to learn, hone my skills, broaden my thinking, and preserve the national identity. By doing so, I can develop myself comprehensively – not only excelling in expertise but also upholding moral values, nurturing a spirit of dedication, and contributing to building my homeland with the intellect, heart, and aspirations of youth.”

By Lam Vien, Nhat Ha – Translated by Thu Hien, Thu Ha