Patriotism through emulation

In his keynote speech, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed that emulation is a noble tradition of the Vietnamese nation.

“President Ho Chi Minh inspired and led this tradition, transforming it into a nationwide movement through his Appeal for Patriotic Emulation on June 11, 1948. He said emulation means ‘doing things faster, better, and more effectively,’ and that to love one’s country is to emulate; those who emulate are the most patriotic,” To Lam recalled.

He described emulation as both a movement and a discipline - an act of self-improvement and collective progress. It requires effort, creativity, and responsibility in every task; it is healthy competition aimed at greater contributions to the country and its people.

“Because people live to love one another”

“We honor people to inspire others,” said the General Secretary. “Recognition is meant to multiply good examples and create motivation for all to follow, spreading the spirit of dedication and service.”

He urged agencies and localities to identify and nurture exemplary individuals and practices, communicate true stories of real people, and promptly encourage positive initiatives while resolutely rejecting superficiality, false achievements, and the pursuit of empty recognition.

Emulation and commendation, he said, must be based on substance - quality, effectiveness, and real contribution - especially from grassroots workers. Every effort and act of dedication should be acknowledged and respected, ensuring fairness and inspiration across society.

Analyzing current domestic and global contexts, To Lam emphasized that patriotic emulation must now become a dynamic ecosystem that transforms sound policies into tangible action. It must turn political missions into daily responsibilities, so every citizen feels like a participant in and beneficiary of national development.

He called for measurable, verifiable goals in every emulation campaign, linking success to real results that improve public service and people’s well-being.

Mr. To Lam stressed that innovation and digital transformation must be central to modern emulation, enhancing productivity, management quality, and the digital economy. In governance, he urged strict discipline, transparency, and public-centered service - where time, cost, and citizen convenience are the true measures of administrative quality.

Emulation, he said, must also make society more compassionate and humane: “Every locality and sector must promote concrete movements - safe and quality schools, friendly and efficient hospitals, disciplined and caring communities.”

He added that the private sector’s healthy development, stronger enterprises, and improved national competitiveness are also essential outcomes of emulation.

“Emulation must reach every individual, family, village, neighborhood, industrial park, school, and hospital,” Party Chief To Lam concluded. “When every person grows stronger, every organization becomes stronger - and our nation will move forward.”

Turning slogans into real action

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh later launched the patriotic emulation movement for the 2026 - 2030 period under the theme: “Innovation, acceleration, and breakthrough toward a prosperous, civilized, and happy nation.”

He called for “three realities” - real people, real work, and real results - stressing that public satisfaction is the ultimate measure of success.

“Emulation must eliminate all forms of superficiality and inefficiency. We must act more and speak less, ensuring words align with deeds,” he said.

Commendations, the Prime Minister added, must be “public in criteria, transparent in results, and genuine in recognition” - rewarding the right people for the right reasons at the right time.

He warned against allowing emulation and rewards to become “a cover for wrongdoing or a refuge for vanity.”

Calling for proactivity, he urged all sectors and citizens to discover, nurture, and honor positive examples and effective models, transforming slogans into practical, measurable action.

“With determination to turn ideals into concrete results,” Pham Minh Chinh declared, “every Vietnamese - wherever they are, in whatever role - must strive, dedicate, and contribute to help our nation move faster, stronger, and more sustainably forward.”

At the congress, General Secretary To Lam presented the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces to seven units, including the Commando Corps, Corps 15, and Hanoi Police.

President Luong Cuong conferred the title Hero of Labor on ten individuals and organizations, including Cho Ray Hospital, Doan Thi Diem Primary School, Viettel Cambodia, Thai Binh Seed Corporation, TH Milk Food Company, Phu Cuong Group, VietJet Air, Hong Ha Engineering Company, Tien Giang General Hospital, and Thang Long Mineral Construction Investment Corporation.

Tran Thuong