Building culture of civilized conduct: The foundation for modern Dong Nai City

The recognition of Dong Nai as a city not only opens up opportunities for strong socio-economic development but also creates the need to build a civilized, modern, and livable urban area.

Keeping streets clean and beautiful is one of the key factors contributing to a civilized urban environment. In the photo: Vo Thi Sau Street in Tran Bien Ward, one of Dong Nai’s green, clean, and beautiful streets.

Alongside transportation infrastructure, urban planning, and the development of commerce and services, the human factor and the culture of public behavior among residents are considered essential foundations shaping the image of a modern city.

Urban civilization begins with public awareness

In recent years, urbanization in Dong Nai has accelerated rapidly. Numerous key transport projects, new urban areas, shopping centers, parks, and modern roads have been developed, gradually transforming the urban landscape. Along with this development comes the demand not only for modern infrastructure but also for the formation of civilized lifestyles and standardized public behavior within the community.

A modern city is not measured solely by high-rise buildings or synchronized transport systems, but also by citizens’ awareness in daily life. Compliance with traffic laws, environmental protection, appropriate conduct in public spaces, and polite, friendly communication all contribute to the image of an urban area.

In central streets and localities such as Dau Giay, Long Thanh, Binh Phuoc, and Dong Xoai, positive changes in public awareness have become increasingly visible in recent years. Many residents have developed habits such as properly disposing of waste, avoiding noisy karaoke speakers that disturb public order, obeying traffic lights, and helping preserve urban aesthetics.

Nguyen Van Thanh, a resident of Tran Bien Ward, said that as Dong Nai develops into a modern city, each citizen must also change their awareness and behavior. “A civilized urban area cannot rely solely on government investment in infrastructure. It must begin with every resident's awareness. If everyone avoids littering, does not encroach on sidewalks, and behaves politely in public, the city’s appearance will improve significantly,” Thanh shared.

Sharing the same view, Nguyen Thi Nhan from Tam Hiep Ward said that people are truly the “soul” of a modern city. “Visitors to Dong Nai City do not only look at whether the roads are beautiful. They also feel the attitude and behavior of local people. If residents are friendly, community-minded, and maintain a clean environment, the city will certainly leave a positive impression,” she said.

In reality, various campaigns promoting cultural lifestyles, cultured families, and civilized residential communities in Dong Nai have achieved many positive results associated with improving residents’ quality of life.

According to Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Member of the City Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as Dong Nai enters a new stage of development, the need to build a culture of civilized urban conduct becomes even more important. A modern city must go hand in hand with civilized people who are responsible toward the community and the living environment. This endeavor is the core factor for sustainable development.

More cultural spaces needed for residents

Besides community awareness, many residents believe that a modern city also requires a coordinated system of cultural institutions to enhance spiritual and cultural life. As urbanization accelerates, demand for entertainment, community activities, learning opportunities, and skill development, especially among young people, continues to grow. However, many areas still lack cultural spaces, parks, and public recreational facilities.

Tran Van Chau from Dau Giay Ward expressed hope that Dong Nai City would invest in more parks, libraries, cultural houses, and youth activity centers in the coming time. “I hope the city will create more spaces for young people to study, develop artistic and sports talents, and build life skills. If there are more community centers and creative playgrounds, young people will have healthier environments to develop themselves,” Chau proposed.

“In the journey toward becoming a modern city, Dong Nai needs not only large-scale infrastructure projects but also to build the image of friendly, responsible, and civilized citizens. The human factor is always the most important foundation creating the vitality and identity of a sustainably developed urban area.”

Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Member of the City Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Meanwhile, Nguyen Phuong Lieu from Tran Bien Ward said urban development should not focus solely on commercial projects but also pay greater attention to public spaces serving residents. “Older people need places to exercise, children need safe playgrounds, and workers need spaces to relax after work. A livable city must provide a healthy spiritual and cultural environment for its people,” she said.

Le Thi Ngoc Loan added that in recent years, Dong Nai has invested in many cultural and sports facilities from the city level to grassroots communities, while also promoting socialization policies to attract resources for community-serving projects. Building a modern city is not only about economic growth but also about improving spiritual life and fostering a healthy cultural environment. A modern city must have its own cultural identity, a friendly living environment, and civilized citizens. When people live in a positive cultural environment with many community living spaces, their awareness of behavior and sense of social responsibility will also be enhanced.

In the near future, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Nai City will continue advising on investments to complete a synchronized, modern system of cultural institutions while strengthening campaigns promoting civilized lifestyles and friendly behavior in residential communities. “Building a culture of civilized urban conduct is a long-term process requiring the participation of the entire community. When every citizen becomes aware of preserving the city’s image, behaving politely and living responsibly, Dong Nai will continue to develop into a more modern, compassionate, and livable city,” Le Thi Ngoc Loan stressed.

By Kim Lieu – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho