Core values such as independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, and the principle that “the people are the root” remain not only historically significant, but also highly relevant in shaping Vietnam’s path toward sustainable development, deeper international integration, and the continued improvement of a socialist rule-of-law state in the new era.

Marking the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 –2026), Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasised in his article “Ho Chi Minh’s Light Illuminates Our Path” that Ho Chi Minh Thought remains “the spiritual foundation, guiding torch, and compass for every victory of the Vietnamese revolution.”

According to the Vietnamese leader, as the country enters a new stage of development following the success of the 14th National Party Congress and the election of the 16th National Assembly, Vietnam is accelerating political and institutional reforms toward a leaner, more effective governance system that is closely connected to the people. In this context, the enduring values of Ho Chi Minh Thought continue to hold strategic significance.

Independence and self-reliance as foundations for sustainable development

One of the central principles in Ho Chi Minh Thought is that national independence must go hand in hand with self-reliance and resilience. Independence is understood not only in terms of territorial sovereignty, but also as strategic autonomy in development policy, economic capacity, and international positioning.

Amid intensifying global strategic competition, supply chain restructuring, and the rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, these principles continue to shape Vietnam’s development orientation.

According to Dr. Le Trung Kien from the Ho Chi Minh Institute and Party Leaders Studies Centre, Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic philosophy of “remaining steadfast in core principles while adapting flexibly to changing circumstances” retains profound contemporary relevance. The “unchanging” values, he noted, are the goals of “Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” national interests, and Vietnam’s socialist-oriented development path.

Vietnam therefore maintains an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, choosing justice and international law over geopolitical alignment. The country does not participate in military alliances or side with one nation against another, while pursuing a policy of being a trusted friend and reliable partner to all countries on the basis of peace, cooperation, and mutual development.

This spirit of self-reliance is also reflected in Vietnam’s efforts to build an independent and competitive economy capable of mastering core technologies, ensuring energy security, and strengthening national defense industries. A strong economy, in turn, enhances Vietnam’s position and voice in international affairs.

At the same time, Vietnam actively promotes international cooperation under the principle of “integration without dissolution” that embrace global knowledge and technological advancement while preserving its political identity, cultural values, and development orientation. Expanding networks of shared interests with major partners is also seen as a way to safeguard long-term peace, stability, and national sovereignty.

Building modern institutions based on Ho Chi Minh Thought

Ho Chi Minh Thought not only guided Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation, but also continues to provide orientation for modern governance and institutional reform.

Dr. Kien noted that in Ho Chi Minh’s vision, the “strength of the era” lies in scientific knowledge, progressive values, and the achievements of human civilization. Applying this perspective today means proactively engaging with advanced governance standards, international law, and global cooperation mechanisms such as the World Trade Organisation, European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Vietnam’s ongoing legal reforms are therefore aimed not only at meeting domestic development needs, but also at building a transparent, stable, and internationally compatible legal environment. At the same time, such adaptation must be grounded in Vietnam’s own realities and national interests.

Alongside institutional reform is the continued building of a socialist rule-of-law state “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” In Ho Chi Minh Thought, the people are both the objective and the driving force of development.

“The People Are the Root” in national governance

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam highlighted that Ho Chi Minh’s principle that “the people are the root” continues to underpin all major policies of the Party and State today.

President Ho Chi Minh once stated: “All benefits are for the people, and all powers belong to the people.” This spirit continues to be reflected in the principle: “The people know, discuss, implement, inspect, supervise, and benefit.”

In the context of digital transformation and administrative reform, promoting people’s participation extends beyond traditional mechanisms toward the development of e-government, digital governance, and modern public administration models. Technology and innovation are increasingly expected to serve citizens more effectively while enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

The principle that “the State is a servant of the people,” strongly emphasised by President Ho Chi Minh, therefore is deeply relevant in Vietnam’s modernisation process today.

In a rapidly changing world, Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to demonstrate enduring value as a development philosophy rooted in sustainability and humanism. It represents the combination of national independence with international integration; self-reliance with global cooperation; and economic development with social equity and people’s well-being.

The creative application of Ho Chi Minh Thought is seen as a key foundation for Vietnam to build a prosperous, modern, self-reliant, and globally integrated nation while preserving political stability, cultural identity, and long-term sustainable development aspirations in the new era.

Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to illuminate Vietnam’s new era

VOV.VN - Marking President Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birth anniversary (May 19), Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has published an article, emphasising the enduring value of Ho Chi Minh Thought in Vietnam’s national development journey, particularly as the country enters a new phase following the success of the 14th National Party Congress.