To Lam highlighted two historic milestones: the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1930, which marked a turning point for the nation, and the Doi Moi (Renewal) reform era, which transformed Vietnam from a war-ravaged, impoverished country into a dynamic economy deeply integrated into regional and global value chains.

Protecting future generations from short-termism

Commenting on the conference theme “Vietnam: Sustainable development in a new era,” Mr. To Lam affirmed that it raises questions of existential importance.

How can the country grow rapidly while maintaining political and social stability?

How can it boost economic growth without sacrificing social equity?

How can it modernize without harming ecosystems and cultural values?

And how can it integrate into the global order without losing its unique political identity - ensuring that Socialist Vietnam stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's great powers?

“To us, rapid and sustainable development are inseparable,” the General Secretary stressed.

“Growth only has meaning when every citizen enjoys its fruits fairly, safely, and humanely; when the actual quality of life improves; when no one is left behind; and when future generations are not made to pay the price for the short-term gains of today.”

Thus, Vietnam’s development strategy rests on three interlinked pillars.

Strategic institutions, people-centered development, and a green economy

The first pillar is the development of national institutions, policies, and governance rooted in strategic autonomy, transparency, integrity, and effectiveness.

Vietnam aims to build a socialist rule-of-law state “of the people, by the people, for the people” - a state that fosters development, ensures justice, and combats corruption, vested interests, and negative behaviors.

This is the political cornerstone.

The second pillar is comprehensive human development through education, healthcare, science and technology, innovation, and culture.

These are seen as core factors and direct drivers of sustainable growth.

Party Chief To Lam affirmed that Vietnam’s greatest resource is not its minerals or strategic geography, but its 106 million citizens - industrious, creative, patriotic, community-minded, eager to learn, and resilient in adversity.

“If we do not unleash and maximize the intellect, ethics, character, and social responsibility of every Vietnamese, our national goals will remain out of reach.”

The third pillar is green, circular, knowledge-based, and digital economy development linked to science, technology, and innovation.

Vietnam, he added, is deeply aware of its responsibility in facing global challenges like climate change, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.

Culture, ethics, and dignity define sustainable societies

General Secretary To Lam stressed that sustainability is not only an economic or environmental issue - it is also about culture, society, humanity, and morality.

A sustainably developed society is one that values truth, justice, compassion, where the elderly are respected, children are protected, women have equal opportunities, and the vulnerable are shielded.

It is a society built on enduring public trust in the Party, the State, the system, and the nation’s future.

Scholars shaping Vietnam’s future

He praised the conference for addressing not only Vietnamese history, culture, and art, but also strategic issues such as institutions, science and technology, innovation, healthcare, education, economy, ideology, and social policy.

“Scholars are not only examining Vietnam’s past, but also helping shape its future,” Mr. To Lam said, calling their contributions both academically valuable and strategically significant.

He emphasized that while Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with a new mindset, it remains committed to unchanging values.

First, national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are sacred and inviolable.

“No development is meaningful if it sacrifices the hard-won independence our ancestors fought for with their lives.”

Second, people’s happiness must be measured by housing, education, healthcare, clean environments, opportunities for self-fulfillment, and confidence that future generations will live better.

“A ruling party must earn the people’s trust by making decisions that truly enhance their lives.”

Third, the greatest source of national strength is unity.

History has shown that no external force can defeat Vietnam when its people stand united.

Inviting researchers to listen beyond the statistics

Vietnam’s policy-making process, To Lam said, always welcomes independent, serious, and constructive scientific critique.

Studies rich in practical value and long-term vision are invaluable to national strategy.

He called on Vietnam studies scholars to continue supporting the country not only with affection, but also with scientific knowledge, policy analysis grounded in evidence, and practical, actionable recommendations.

He also encouraged international researchers, doctoral students, and scientists to visit Vietnam more frequently, stay longer, work alongside Vietnamese colleagues as equals, and listen to voices from local communities and grassroots - not just base conclusions on aggregated data.

During the meeting, scholars representing the nearly 1,300 delegates at the conference expressed appreciation for To Lam’s attention and the leadership of the Party and State to the global Vietnam studies network and to the conference itself.

They were impressed by Vietnam’s dynamic development, visionary leadership, and the country’s bold, strategic policymaking.

Many scholars offered heartfelt and concrete recommendations to help promptly implement the Party’s recent resolutions, and expressed confidence that under the Party’s determined leadership and with national unity, Vietnam will soon achieve its ambitious development goals.

Tran Thuong