Noting that the European Union (EU) is closely monitoring developments at Party Congress XIV, including decisive policies related to foreign affairs and areas of cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said that over the past five years Vietnam has demonstrated strong capacity in modernising governance while maintaining an impressive development trajectory.

From 2021 to 2025, Vietnam has shown that it is not only a fast-growing economy but also one that is reforming in ways that make growth more resilient, innovative and attractive to long-term investment.

Vietnam is clearly moving in the right direction, with growth momentum evident at around 8% in 2025. This is a strong signal of dynamism and confidence, and shows that Vietnam continues to be one of the most vibrant economic stories in the region, Ambassador Julien Guerrier stressed.

In this context, Guerrier said relations between the European Union and Vietnam have also developed markedly in recent years. What is now a meaningful partnership has deepened at bilateral, regional and global levels, extending beyond economic ties to encompass political cooperation.

Looking ahead, Guerrier said the EU sees strong potential to further strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the green transition and other key areas supporting sustainable development. The EU also seeks to deepen cooperation in research, science and technology, digitalisation, connectivity and semiconductor cooperation- all areas regarded as critical for the future.

Turning to sustainable development policies outlined in the draft documents of Party Congress XIV, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress, from poverty reduction to sustained economic growth and human development, with its Human Development Index placing the country in the high human development group.

According to the UN Resident Coordinator, Vietnam has made major advances over the past three decades. From lifting millions out of poverty to maintaining robust economic growth, from promoting industrial development to expanding social protection, Vietnam has demonstrated to the world what resilience and vision can deliver.

With gross national income per capita exceeding US$5,000, Vietnam is on track to attain upper-middle-income status. Poverty rates have fallen to record lows, and the country continues to rank among countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI above 0.7). These achievements are worthy of recognition and pride.

Tamesis said what truly inspires Vietnam’s development story is not only the figures, but the determination to ensure that growth delivers better lives for all. This reflects a commitment to people-centred sustainable development, reducing inequality and strengthening institutions.

Welcoming Vietnam’s targets of becoming a high-income country by 2045 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Tamesis reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to accompany Vietnam through the 2027-2031 Cooperation Framework, focusing on inclusive development, transparent governance and a dual transition.

In addition to economic and political dimensions, culture has also been identified as an area of strategic breakthrough in the Party’s thinking at Congress XIV. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, welcomed the draft Congress documents’ positioning of foreign affairs and international integration on par with national defence and security.

The documents call for diplomacy to be developed in a way “commensurate with the country’s historical depth, cultural heritage and standing”, with an emphasis on elevating diplomacy and using Vietnam’s culture and history to enhance international influence and contribute to peace and common development.

Baker said that in the draft Party Congress XIV documents, culture and heritage are increasingly viewed as integral to Vietnam’s overall approach to foreign affairs and international integration. From UNESCO’s perspective, cultural values and heritage can contribute to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing a country’s global standing in four key ways.

First, shaped by a long history of cultural exchange, resilience and respect for diversity, Vietnam brings to international dialogue a deeply human-centred narrative. This depth allows culture to serve as a “common language” in multilateral settings, fostering mutual understanding and long-term cooperation that transcend political or economic differences.

Culture also contributes to raising national visibility and credibility. Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role within UNESCO’s governance mechanisms, including its election as Vice President of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, reflects the international community’s trust in the country.

Alongside its institutional roles, Vietnam has actively contributed ideas and initiatives, such as the Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, while hosting and promoting international exchanges on cultural and creative development within the framework of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. This has allowed Vietnam to take part in and help shape global discussions on culture and development.

Culture further links international cooperation with people-centred development through practical models. In Vietnam, heritage and creativity are increasingly integrated into education, sustainable tourism and community livelihoods — from heritage preservation tied to local economic development to creative cities that encourage participation by young people, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs.

Baker said these approaches demonstrate how cultural cooperation can generate tangible social and economic value, delivering direct benefits to communities.

Emphasising that culture nurtures creativity, the UNESCO representative said that through investment in cultural and creative industries, creative spaces and youth-led initiatives, Vietnam is investing in its younger generation and its future. Creativity keeps culture dynamic, contemporary and open, enabling Vietnam to connect with the world not only through its past, but also through contemporary ideas, design and artistic expression.

14th National Party Congress affirms Party’s leadership role

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is not only a major political and social event for Vietnam, but also a clear demonstration that the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the CPV, are determining for themselves the nation’s destiny and development priorities.

14th National Party Congress opens, ushering in new development era

VOV.VN - The 14th National Party Congress opened solemnly on January 20, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, and is scheduled to run from January 19 to January 25 under the motto “Solidarity- Democracy-Discipline-Breakthrough-Development.”