Receiving scholars to the seventh International Conference on Vietnam Studies in Hanoi on October 26, General Secretary To Lam said the presence of a large number of researchers from around the world showed that “Vietnam is not only a subject of study, but also a source of intellectual partnership and inspiration for the global academic community.”

He highlighted that Vietnam’s millennia-old history of national construction and defence has forged a distinctive cultural identity - a civilization rooted in the people, benevolence, and a deep-seated spirit of independence and self-determination.

“It is this vitality that has enabled the Vietnamese people to overcome wars, rebuild from devastation, and step confidently into a new era of proactive global integration,” he said.

The General Secretary pointed to two historic milestones shaping the nation’s path: the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1930, which opened the path of national independence aligned with socialism; and the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms launched in 1986, which transformed Vietnam into one of the most dynamic economies in the region and the world.

Referring to the conference theme, “Vietnam: Sustainable Development in the New Rising Era,” the top leader said the country’s development strategy rests on three key pillars - institutions, people, and the economy.

According to him, Vietnam is pursuing modern, transparent, and efficient governance under the rule of law to build a socialist state “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Human development is both the means and the ultimate goal of progress, and that Vietnam’s greatest asset lies in its 106 million citizens who are hardworking, creative, and resilient.

Vietnam’s economic model, he said, is oriented toward green, circular, knowledge-based, and digital growth, with science, technology, and innovation at its core. “Sustainability is not just about economics or the environment, but also about culture, society, and moral responsibility,” he said.

The General Secretary reaffirmed Vietnam’s aspiration to become a developed, high-income nation by the mid-21st century, following a socialist orientation.

“Vietnam seeks to grow through knowledge, creativity, equality, and mutual respect to contribute to and share in the fruits of human progress,” he emphasised.

While entering a new stage of development with fresh thinking, the leader reminded that national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity remain sacred and inviolable, and every policy must serve the ultimate goal of improving the people’s well-being and happiness.

“The strength of Vietnam lies in the great national unity,” he said, calling for this solidarity to expand further by embracing intellectuals, entrepreneurs, artists, youth, women, ethnic minorities, religious groups, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends with goodwill and respect for Vietnam.

The Party leader commended the global community of Vietnam scholars for their long-standing dedication to research and encouraged them to continue contributing to the nation’s development through evidence-based analysis and actionable policy recommendations. He also proposed the establishment of a Vietnam Fund this year to promote academic exchange, collaborative research, and scholarly dialogue.

As Vietnam is entering a new era with great ambition, the top leader said, it values dialogue, cooperation, respect for international law, and effective multilateralism to build an independent, resilient, and innovative nation that develops rapidly and sustainably.

International scholars attending the meeting expressed admiration for the Party’s strategic vision and leadership, voicing confidence that with the country’s strong determination and the unity of its people, Vietnam would soon achieve its goal of becoming a prosperous, developed economy contributing meaningfully to the global community.

The International Conference on Vietnam Studies is a prestigious academic forum held periodically to promote research, teaching, and knowledge exchange in the field of Vietnam Studies. It also aims to address pressing issues arising from the realities of globalisation and national development.

The 2025 edition that opened in Hanoi on October 25 brought together around 1,200 Vietnamese and international scholars from more than 30 countries and territories, both in person and online. Notably, it featured the participation of many distinguished professors and researchers from leading universities and institutes worldwide, including the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Toronto; the University of Amsterdam; Kyoto University; Waseda University; the National University of Singapore; Seoul National University; Fudan University; and Chulalongkorn University.

Representatives from major international organisations such as UNESCO, UNDP, JICA, KOICA, and the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung also attended the event.

Party leader receives heads of delegations to Hanoi Convention signing ceremony

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam on October 25 received heads of delegations attending the signing ceremony and high-level dialogue of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention.