During a working session with the Central Theoretical Council on 9/6, General Secretary and President To Lam stated that for the Party to lead and govern effectively, commensurate with its mission, it must possess sound theory. In moments of pivotal transition, theory must be a step ahead. He emphasized, "If theoretical thinking fails to keep pace with reality, we will struggle to define our vision, select models, resolve bottlenecks, and seize opportunities. If theory lacks the power to guide or the capacity for strategic foresight, we will be passive in the face of significant global changes."
Therefore, he asserted that theoretical work for the 2026-2031 period must be more proactive and incisive. It cannot merely explain reality post-fact, but must accompany and anticipate issues requiring foresight, delve into core problems, and directly address new bottlenecks, impediments, and conflicts in development.
The 14th Party Congress established important strategic decisions, committing to successfully achieve two 100-year objectives. Building on this, the Central Theoretical Council must conduct deeper research into Vietnam's model and path to socialism amidst evolving global conditions, particularly concerning the construction of socialist localities.
 |
General Secretary and President To Lam working with the Central Theoretical Council on 9/6. *Photo: TTXVN*. |
General Secretary and President To Lam raised questions: How can the market economy's power be maximized, and all private resources unleashed, while upholding socialist orientation and preventing extreme wealth disparity? How can "development-enabling" institutions be built in the digital space, "data sovereignty" protected, and Vietnam simultaneously transformed into a technologically proficient, prosperous, and equitable nation?
The Central Theoretical Council should focus research on several key areas:
- Vietnam's development model in the new era
- Institutions for rapid, sustainable development
- Modern, enabling national governance
- Strategic autonomy integrated with international affairs
- The combined impact of digital transformation, green transition, energy transition, structural transformation, human resources, and governance
- National comprehensive strength and Vietnam's soft power
- New forms of competition and conflict, and international development experiences
General Secretary and President To Lam stated, "Development reality is giving rise to many new concepts, models, and approaches. Without rigorous, unified interpretation, this can easily lead to differing understandings and applications, potentially diminishing the persuasiveness of the Party's lines and policies. This task contributes to building a precise, modern, understandable, and applicable theoretical language that preserves the Party's ideological identity and objectives."
The Central Theoretical Council also needs to research the ethics and culture of governance, as well as power control, more deeply. This includes clarifying new standards for exemplary responsibility, integrity, public service, discipline, accountability, and the relationship between power and responsibility, and between leadership and serving the people.
To meet these requirements, General Secretary and President To Lam called for commensurate investment in theoretical work. He urged accelerated application of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and big data to enhance analytical, forecasting, and advisory capabilities.
General Secretary and President To Lam approved the proposal to establish a political theoretical research network and organize a national conference on theoretical research. He stressed that these initiatives must be substantive and effective, avoiding mere formalism. There is a need to clearly define tasks, commissioning mechanisms, and methods for sharing research outcomes, along with establishing flexible and effective research groups.
The contingent of theoretical cadres, especially young ones, requires focused development. Leading experts need strong resolve, modern thinking, integration capabilities, and the capacity to research new issues, technologies, and contemporary methods.
Vu Tuan
