Speaking at the 2025 Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth, the Deputy PM emphasized the event’s deep humanitarian value, honoring the tradition of learning and the efforts of ethnic minority youth to rise through education, self-improvement, and social contribution.

He sent warm greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Party and the State to the distinguished guests, delegates, and 150 exemplary students and young people representing 53 ethnic groups nationwide.

“Education is key to opportunity and equality”

Deputy PM Chinh highlighted that the Party and State have always paid special attention to ethnic affairs, guided by President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings.

He cited major policies, including the Central Committee’s Resolution No. 24 and the National Ethnic Affairs Strategy for 2021–2030, which aim to foster comprehensive political, economic, cultural, and social development in ethnic and mountainous regions while ensuring national defense and security.

He noted that education for ethnic minorities has received unprecedented attention.

The school network  -  from preschool to high school  -  has expanded significantly, with ethnic boarding and semi-boarding schools being strengthened across provinces.

Government initiatives such as free lunches, tuition waivers, learning allowances, and student loans have been implemented effectively to ensure no child is left behind.

“Recently, Vietnam has begun building 100 new ethnic boarding schools at primary and lower secondary levels in border communes,” Chinh said.

“The goal is to complete schools in all 248 border communes nationwide in the near future.”

Thanks to comprehensive support from the Party, State, and society, ethnic minority youth have inherited their ancestors’ traditions while embodying modern values of determination and innovation.

Many have excelled in academics, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and social work  -  actively contributing to poverty reduction, economic growth, and community security.

This year’s ceremony honored 150 students and youth from 53 ethnic groups, including 17 individuals from the country’s smallest ethnic communities who achieved exceptional success despite economic and social challenges.

The “six clears” directive

On behalf of the Party and State, Deputy PM Chinh praised the honorees as “beautiful flowers in Vietnam’s garden of diversity,” representing family pride, community strength, and national hope.

He reaffirmed that unity among Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups remains a sacred tradition and the foundation for the nation’s victories  -  both in the struggle for independence and in today’s development and integration.

Looking ahead, he called on authorities at all levels to concretize Party and State policies on ethnic affairs with the “six clears” approach:

clear people, clear work, clear time, clear responsibility, clear products, and clear authority.

This principle, he said, ensures transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in efforts to improve the lives of ethnic minorities, particularly their children and youth.

He also tasked the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs with coordinating other ministries to implement key programs for ethnic and mountainous regions, including training and scholarship opportunities for outstanding students to study abroad.

Local authorities were urged to prioritize recruitment, development, and incentives for talented ethnic minority professionals  -  especially in border and island areas  -  and to complete construction of the 100 ethnic boarding schools on schedule.

“Be proud, be strong, and keep dreaming”

Addressing the students directly, Deputy PM Chinh encouraged them to keep nurturing their ambitions, overcome hardship, and stay true to their cultural roots.

“I hope you will continue to strive, preserve your ethnic traditions, and one day become capable citizens contributing to your villages, your communities, and our nation,” he said.

The 2025 Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth took place on December 27 at the Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi.

Broadcast live on VTV5, the ceremony celebrated 150 exemplary individuals from across the country  -  the bright future of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities.

Le Huyen