The enduring message is clear: from the truth “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” to the aspiration of a “powerful, prosperous, and happy Vietnam,” the National Assembly must take the lead in institutional reform.

The 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 is not only a time for the nation to reflect on a proud historical journey, but also an opportunity to envision the future. In that spirit, the first-ever gathering of National Assembly delegates across generations held special significance. More than 2,200 delegates from different terms convened at the People’s Common House – a place that embodies the nation’s wisdom, will, and aspirations.

At the event, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the historic role of Vietnam’s National Assembly, expressing deep gratitude to former delegates and outlining the nation’s remarkable achievements in institutional reform, economic development, improving people's livelihoods, and strengthening national defense and diplomacy. Most notably, he charted a strategic direction for the upcoming 14th Party Congress.

The message resounded throughout: from the founding truth “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” to the national goal of becoming “powerful, prosperous, and happy,” the National Assembly must advance institutional reform ahead of the curve.

He stated: from the desire for independence to the ambition for national strength, from the principle "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" to the goal of building “a powerful, prosperous, happy Vietnam, standing shoulder to shoulder with world powers,” we are on an ever-evolving journey of aspirations. On that journey, the National Assembly must lead institutional reform. It must be bold in paving the way, making adjustments, and addressing difficult, unprecedented issues.

The National Assembly in the nation’s historical continuum

Since the first general election on January 6, 1946 – Vietnam’s first democratic vote – the National Assembly has stood by the nation through every pivotal turn. During the wars, it was the legal body behind mobilization of human and material resources, reinforcing the home front for the battlefront. Post-unification, it enacted crucial decisions to rebuild the country. From the 1986 Renovation (Doi Moi) era onward, it institutionalized reforms, shaped the legal framework for a socialist-oriented market economy, and expanded international integration.

Key constitutional milestones such as the 1946, 1959, 1980, 1992, and 2013 Constitutions, along with the 2001 and 2025 amendments, reflect an evolving mindset in institutional thinking. Each document served not only as a legal framework but also a political commitment to a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Building on this foundation, the National Assembly has solidified its role as “the common house of the people's representatives,” where all major decisions are closely tied to the people's will and aspirations.

Gratitude and continuity

At the gathering, the General Secretary paid special tribute to senior delegates – revered as “living archives” of Vietnam’s legislative history. These individuals have witnessed and helped steer the nation through challenging chapters: land reforms, war recovery, national unification, the early Doi Moi years, and the era of global integration.

Every law and resolution encapsulates collective wisdom and tireless effort. Behind them are field trips to live among the people, to breathe their concerns; and marathon legislative sessions that ensured every word was not only constitutional and legal, but also practical, concise, and clear. This gratitude fuels continuity, encouraging today’s generation to reflect upon and follow the integrity, courage, and intellect of their predecessors.

Institutional reform and economic achievements

A highlight of the General Secretary’s remarks was the reorganization of the political system. After years of preparation, the entire apparatus has now been streamlined into three tiers: central, provincial/municipal, and commune/ward levels. This leaner structure clearly defines responsibilities, decentralizes authority, and brings governance closer to the people. More than a cost-cutting measure, this transformation creates new developmental space and fresh momentum for the nation’s take-off.

On the economic front, Vietnam has recorded notable progress. From a GDP of $346 billion in 2020, it is projected to reach $510 billion by 2025, ranking 32nd globally and 4th in ASEAN. Per capita income is expected to hit $5,000, and GNI has surpassed the lower-middle-income threshold. Despite global headwinds, Vietnam’s economy still grew 7.52% in the first half of 2025, underscoring its resilience and recovery capacity.

Simultaneously, strategic infrastructure is being heavily invested in: the North-South high-speed railway, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong corridor, the Can Gio international transshipment port, and nuclear energy projects. Additionally, 250 major projects were launched or completed in 34 provinces and cities, with total capital nearing 1.3 million billion VND (approximately $53 billion) – tangible evidence of long-term vision and sustainable development resolve.

Caring for the people’s lives: the benchmark of all policy

A significant portion of the General Secretary’s address focused on social policy. Notable achievements include reducing the multidimensional poverty rate to 1.93% by the end of 2024. Among ethnic minorities, poverty halved in just five years. By August 2025, over 268,000 substandard houses had been eliminated, moving towards a nationwide goal of zero dilapidated housing.

The government has launched 692 social housing projects with more than 633,000 units. From the new school year, education will be free from preschool through high school. Combined with expanded health insurance coverage reaching 95% of the population, these initiatives affirm a vision of comprehensive social welfare. Life expectancy has reached 75 years, with 67 years of healthy living – strong indicators of improved quality of life.

In the near future, the Politburo will issue new resolutions on education and healthcare. This focus is not just on social welfare but on long-term national investment, recognizing education and health as two key pillars for enhancing human capital.

National defense and diplomacy: safeguarding peace from afar

Amid intensifying global power competition, Vietnam remains steadfast in its strategy to “safeguard the country early and from afar.” The military and police forces are being restructured to become lean, efficient, and modern. The armed forces are advancing rapidly toward professionalism and mastery of domestically developed equipment. Defense and security not only ensure sovereignty and social safety but also serve as an effective diplomatic tool to preserve peace and elevate Vietnam’s global standing.

Vietnam’s international voice has never carried more weight. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 250 international cooperation agreements were signed, with commitments exceeding $62 billion. The country has established diplomatic relations with 194 nations and territories, including 13 comprehensive strategic partners. This foundation enables more proactive integration and reinforces Vietnam’s role as a responsible global actor.

Toward the 14th Party Congress: aspiring to national greatness

The 14th Party Congress, slated for Q1/2026, marks a historic juncture. For the first time, three major reports – on politics, socio-economic development, and Party building – will be consolidated into a comprehensive Political Report with an attached Action Program. This marks a shift in mindset: from reporting to commitment, from goal-setting to execution.

In personnel matters, the Party emphasizes quality, highlighting the standards of “daring to think, daring to act, daring to take responsibility,” while increasing representation of young leaders, women, and ethnic minorities. These preparations aim to usher Vietnam into a new era – an era of prosperity, sustainability, and global stature.

The National Assembly must blaze the trail

The General Secretary’s final message was that the National Assembly must never lag behind. Facing the challenges of the times – climate change, tech competition, energy transition, population aging – the Assembly must boldly lead. From digital governance, digital economy, renewable energy, semiconductors, and biotechnology to green agriculture and universal healthcare – every field demands flexible, transparent, pioneering institutions.

For 80 years, the National Assembly has been “the crystallization of the nation’s wisdom, will, and aspirations.” For the next 80 years, it must remain a pillar of public trust, a driver of innovation, and a dynamic embodiment of socialist rule of law.

Marking 80 years of independence, we honor the truth “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” while embracing the ambition of a “powerful, prosperous, happy Vietnam.” On this journey of unrelenting aspiration, the National Assembly must lead institutional reform – daring to think, act, and forge new paths for the future.

With its courage, intellect, and proud tradition, the National Assembly of Vietnam will continue to stand with the people, guiding the nation not only toward strength and prosperity, but also toward becoming a model of sustainable development in the 21st century.

Tu Giang & Lan Anh