In Vietnam, cultural, linguistic, and traditional diversity among its 54 ethnic groups creates a rich national tapestry. While the Kinh people form the majority (85.7%), the remaining 53 ethnic minority groups make up 14.7% of the population.

However, many ingrained biases have long framed minority groups with narrow, simplistic views - such as equating poverty with ethnicity, implying cultural inferiority, or judging advancement by population size. These prejudices not only foster misunderstanding but also obstruct fair and sustainable development.

As Vietnam deepens its integration into the global community and accelerates growth, it must uphold the principle of "unity in diversity," strengthen equality, and reinforce ethnic solidarity. These efforts are essential not just for preserving cultural identity, but for unlocking the true potential of all communities.

Poverty is not an ethnic identity

In discussions about mountainous or remote regions - home to many minority groups - poverty is frequently mentioned as an inherent trait. This assumption is deeply flawed. Poverty is not an ethnic identity but the result of complex factors including geography, historical development, and policy.

All ethnic groups possess equal developmental potential. Communities such as the Tay, Thai, Dao, Hmong, Khmer, Cham, Gia Rai, and others have their own rich histories, cultural traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. Yet many still face economic hardship due to poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare - not because of their ethnicity, but because of unequal development opportunities.

Viewing poverty as a defining characteristic leads to harmful stereotypes, such as labeling entire communities as “lazy” or “unmotivated.” These views erode dignity and can instill self-doubt among minority populations. Worse, such thinking diverts attention from systemic issues that need resolution.

The reality is, when given access to education, science, and properly guided policies, many ethnic communities have flourished. From Tay and Dao villages in Ha Giang with vibrant community tourism, to the Hmong in Lao Cai cultivating medicinal herbs, and E De artisans bringing gong culture to the world stage - these examples show that capability exists; opportunity is what’s missing.

Thus, efforts must move beyond charitable aid to empowerment - giving communities the means to develop independently and sustainably. Anti-poverty policies must be paired with education, local economic development, and most importantly, the dismantling of societal prejudice.

Recognizing that poverty is temporary, not innate, shifts our development approach: from seeing ethnic minorities as “beneficiaries” to respecting them as partners. Every person, regardless of ethnicity, deserves equal opportunities to thrive.

There is no high or low culture

Each ethnic group in Vietnam possesses unique cultural values built over millennia - language, attire, architecture, spirituality, cuisine, and customs all contribute to a vibrant national identity. The Thai with their graceful “Xoe” dance, the Hmong with intricate embroidery and spring festivals, and the E De with their longhouses and UNESCO-recognized gong culture are just a few examples.

Yet in today’s fast-paced society, traditional culture is often dismissed as outdated compared to modern or Western lifestyles. This view is misguided. Culture is not a ranking system; it reflects how people adapt, live, and preserve their identity. Differences in culture are not barriers - they are invitations to understand and respect.

Preserving ethnic cultures is not solely the responsibility of minority communities - it is a shared societal duty. When a folk song fades, a festival disappears, or a language is lost, it is not only a loss for one group but for the entire nation. National initiatives such as “Vietnam Ethnic Culture Day,” preservation of languages and traditional crafts, and youth engagement in cultural continuity are important steps.

Understanding that “culture is difference, not hierarchy” helps shift perceptions. Ethnic culture should not be confined to festivals - it must be integrated into education, tourism, media, and national development. This ensures its preservation and appreciation as a living, evolving resource.

Respecting cultural differences is a hallmark of a civilized society. Only when all values are viewed equally can Vietnam become a more inclusive, sustainable nation.

Population size does not define a group’s progress

Another common misconception is that larger populations equate to higher development, while smaller groups are seen as backward or dependent. This is both inaccurate and discriminatory.

Smaller ethnic groups like the Lu, Lo Lo, and Si La in the northwest maintain rich traditions, languages, festivals, and farming techniques tailored to rugged terrain. These are not just cultural relics but valuable assets for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and creative industries.

Development should be measured by quality of life, access to education and services, and cultural vitality - not by headcount. In fact, smaller groups often demonstrate strong cohesion and resilience in preserving heritage while embracing innovation. Villages of the Dao (Ha Giang), Co Tu (Quang Nam), and Ma (Lam Dong) are prime examples.

Believing that small groups must depend on help promotes inequality and limits growth. Instead, policies should focus on potential, not population. Support must be tailored to each group’s strengths, needs, and cultural identity - through bilingual education, traditional knowledge preservation, and promoting community agency in economic progress.

Unity in diversity, equality, and solidarity

As Vietnam embraces a new era of global connectivity, the philosophy of “diversity in unity, equality, and solidarity” is more critical than ever.

This is not just a slogan - it is a guiding principle for building a modern, inclusive society. Cultural and linguistic diversity is not a threat but a national treasure. Unity does not mean uniformity, but mutual respect and shared goals: prosperity, happiness, and sustainable growth for all.

Equality must go beyond equal treatment - it must address specific needs. Many minority communities still lack access to education, healthcare, and development resources due to linguistic, geographic, or educational barriers. Without targeted policies, disparities will worsen in the digital age.

Ethnic solidarity is not just a historical value - it is a strategic necessity. A united nation can mobilize resources, unlock regional potential, and safeguard sovereignty. Minority development is inseparable from national progress, and vice versa.

Moving forward, policies must modernize without assimilation. Bilingual education, digitalizing indigenous knowledge, cultural-economic integration, and empowering minority voices are essential. Simultaneously, the broader society must reject prejudice and embrace the strengths of all ethnic communities.

In this transformative era, accurately understanding and valuing ethnic minorities is more urgent than ever.

Poverty is not a fixed identity - it stems from external factors like geography and policy. Culture is not about superiority - it reflects unique, invaluable differences. Population does not determine progress - access to opportunity does.

Only by eliminating bias and embracing the true worth of ethnic groups can Vietnam achieve equitable, inclusive development. Empowering every community is the surest path to a unified, prosperous nation.

Dr. Vu Truong Giang