Resolution 71 on education and training has been rolled out to over 1.2 million party members and officials across Vietnam, affirming that education is not only a “top national priority” but a decisive factor for the nation's destiny.

On September 16, more than 1.2 million party members nationwide participated in a national conference to study and implement four new resolutions from the Politburo. Among them, Resolution 71 on education was given special attention. General Secretary To Lam emphasized a shift from “policy issuance” to “governance and implementation,” with real-life impact as the ultimate benchmark and citizens and businesses at the center of reforms. In education, this means policies only matter if they improve teaching quality, learning outcomes, and the competency of the young generation.

For the first time, a Politburo resolution affirms that education is not only the nation’s leading policy but also the decisive determinant of national destiny. As Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong explained, this marks a pivotal shift - recognizing education as a foundation for national competitiveness rather than just a vital sector.

Resolution 71 also mandates specific state budget commitments: at least 5% of total government expenditure must go to education, and at least 3% to higher education. These figures reflect priority levels and provide measurable criteria for enforcement.

Fundamental reform starts with mindset and institutions

General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh both emphasized that educational breakthroughs require foundational changes in thinking, governance, and implementation. To realize Resolution 71, the government introduced several key initiatives:

A shift in mindset: moving away from exam-heavy, credential-focused education toward training aligned with output standards, essential skills, and hands-on learning.

Institutional reform: establishing special mechanisms for education; amending the Education Law, the Higher Education Law, and the Vocational Education Law to eliminate outdated constraints.

Workforce development: teachers are the cornerstone. A new allowance policy - at least 70% for preschool and general education teachers, and 100% for those in disadvantaged regions - reaffirms the profession’s dignity and importance.

Technology integration: comprehensive digital transformation, including a national open educational resource platform, lifelong digital learning profiles, and a secure, transparent exam system.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the government has issued an action plan to implement Resolution 71, with 36 objectives and 151 specific tasks, all assigned under the “six specifics” principle: clear responsibility, clear task, clear accountability, clear authority, clear timeline, and clear outcome. The emphasis is not on the volume of tasks but on a new governance model - attaching accountability to every agency and individual to avoid a situation where policy sounds good but implementation falters.

If executed correctly, this marks a fundamental shift: moving from a system driven by achievement metrics and rampant private tutoring to one built on quality and substance.

Vision 2045 – A bold ambition

Resolution 71 sets a bold goal for Vietnam: by 2045, the country aims to be among the world’s top 20 in education, with at least five universities ranked in the global top 100 in select fields. This high standard demands unwavering commitment. History has shown that countries like Meiji-era Japan or post-war South Korea achieved rapid advancement by heavily investing in education. Without bold aspirations, Vietnam cannot break through its current limits to reach international heights.

According to Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong, this education reform marks a revolutionary turning point - not just a slogan, but a transformation at the root level: changing mindsets, overhauling institutional frameworks, improving teachers' welfare and status, and integrating technology into every classroom and examination.

Education is now truly placed at the heart of Vietnam’s national development strategy. What remains is action. Vietnam must summon the resolve to turn this resolution into tangible results during its era of national resurgence. Revitalizing education is the essential condition for comprehensive national rejuvenation.

Lan Anh