On the morning of 8/10, the Hanoi Party Committee held a press conference to announce the plan for organizing the city's 18th Party Congress, for the 2025-2030 term. Nguyen Doan Toan, head of the Hanoi Party Committee's Commission for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, stated that the agreed-upon congress theme is: "Promoting one thousand years of culture and heroism; uniting, building a clean and strong Party Committee; leading innovation in the new era; developing a civilized, modern, and happy capital city."

According to Toan, this theme underwent thorough discussion and incorporated broad feedback, reflecting the aspirations and development vision of the Party Committee and the people of the capital in the new era. Establishing the goal of building a happy capital city is the ultimate aim, striving for a livable city where residents fully enjoy the fruits of development, both material and spiritual.

Nguyen Van Phong, deputy secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, speaks at the press conference. Photo: Hoang Phong

Nguyen Van Phong, deputy secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, announced that this marks the first time Hanoi has integrated the happiness index (Happy Planet Index - HPI) into its system of development indicators. The addition of this criterion reflects the city's new development approach, which places people at its core, aiming to enhance the quality of life and satisfaction of its residents.

Phong emphasized that happiness has no end point, as human desire for enjoyment and a better life is limitless. "Just a few days without flooding, without traffic jams, and a smooth commute to work, that alone makes us feel happy," he cited. Every thought and action of the political system, from major initiatives to minor ones, must aim for the ultimate goal of the people's happiness, because "without happiness, sustainable development cannot be discussed."

Ha Minh Hai, head of the Hanoi Party Committee's Organization Commission, confirmed that personnel preparations for the 18th congress are proceeding in accordance with the regulations and directives of the Central Committee. The new Party Committee Executive Board is expected to have 75 members; the Standing Committee will have 17 people; and the Party Committee Secretariat will have 5 people. Personnel are structured to ensure a balanced representation across commissions, sectors, and localities, maintaining a renewal rate and prioritizing female cadres, science and technology cadres, and those with high professional qualifications and political theory.

The 18th Hanoi Party Congress is scheduled to take place from 15 to 17/10 at the National Convention Center, with 550 delegates representing nearly 500,000 party members across the city. This will be the first congress since Hanoi completed administrative unit rearrangement, streamlining its apparatus and two-tier local government structure.

According to the draft Political Report, Hanoi strives for an average GRDP growth rate of 11% per year or higher by 2030; a per capita GRDP above 12,000 USD; a human development index (HDI) reaching 0.88; and a happiness index (HPI) reaching 9/10. The city aims for an urbanization rate of 65-70%; public transport meeting at least 30% of travel demand; 80% of days in the year having good to average air quality; and the rate of public preschools and general education schools meeting national standards at 85% or higher.

Vo Hai