(Mr): Phung Xuan Minh. [Chairman of the Board of Directors of PT Group & Saigon Ratings].
Throughout the history of nation-building and national defense, national unity has always been a special source of strength, helping the Vietnamese people overcome natural disasters, wars, poverty, and the harsh challenges of the times. Whenever the country faces great opportunities or dangers, the patriotic spirit, the will for self-reliance and self-improvement, and the solidarity of the people are rekindled, crystallizing into an immense force.
Today, Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with the aspiration to become a powerful, prosperous, and happy nation. This goal opens up great opportunities but also presents the country with many challenges in economics, technology, environment, security, and international competition. More than ever, we need to maximize the strength of national unity, taking national interests and the happiness of the people as common ground to unite all Vietnamese people.
National unity in the new era is not only about ideological consensus but must also be transformed into a resource for development, into creative capacity, economic strength, cultural strength, scientific and technological strength, and the country’s international standing.
Introduction to the article’s content
The article “Maximizing the Strength of National Unity for a Strong and Prosperous Vietnam” consists of two main parts.
Part oneanalyzes the tradition of national unity in the long struggle for nation-building and national defense; clarifies the inevitable historical requirement of consolidating national unity in the process of national development; and summarizes the great lessons of national unity in the Ho Chi Minh era.
The second partfocuses on clarifying the role of national unity in the era of national progress; unleashing all resources within the people; promoting the intellect, economic potential, and international network of the Vietnamese community abroad; fostering national harmony; consolidating trust, practicing democracy, and building social consensus.
Part 1: National Unity in the Long March of the Nation
1. A valuable lesson from Vietnamese history about the strength of national unity.
National unity is not a slogan formed in modern times, but a tradition forged over thousands of years of history. From the early days of nation-building, the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam have had to work together to reclaim land, manage water resources, combat natural disasters, and protect their lives. These historical conditions have shaped the spirit of community cohesion, neighborly affection, and a sense of shared origin.
In the struggles to defend national independence, the strength of the people has always been a decisive factor. The idea of putting the people first, caring for their well-being, and relying on them has appeared early in history. Tran Hung Dao emphasized ”easing the burden on the people” as a strategy to build a solid foundation for the nation. Nguyen Trai affirmed that benevolence and righteousness must first and foremost ensure the people’s peace and stability.
The Dien Hong Conference during the Tran Dynastyis a prime example of the unity of will between the court and the people. Faced with the threat of invasion, the elders representing the people from many localities united to demonstrate their determination to defend the nation. This spirit created the strength that enabled the Tran Dynasty’s army and people to defeat the Yuan-Mongol invaders three times.
During the Lam Son Uprising, Le Loi and Nguyen Traiskillfully rallied heroes, talented individuals, and the people from various regions, gradually transforming a local uprising into a national liberation war. In the Tay Son movement, the power of the people’s will was once again unleashed, leading tothe Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory in the spring of 1789, safeguarding the country’s independence.
Vietnamese history shows that when national interests become the focal point, when leaders value and trust the people, care for their well-being, and gather talented individuals, our nation can overcome all difficulties. Conversely, when the people’s hearts are divided and their interests are not protected, national strength is also diminished.
That is a historical lesson with lasting value for the building and protection of the nation today.
2. National unity – an essential historical requirement in the journey of building a strong and prosperous Vietnam.
The aspiration to build a strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam is the common goal of the entire nation. To realize this aspiration, the country cannot rely solely on one resource, one economic sector, or one social class, but must mobilize the intellect, creativity, and dedication of all Vietnamese people.
Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW on continuing to promote the traditionand strength of national unity clearly defines the requirement to strengthen social consensus, awaken patriotism, self-reliance, faith and aspiration for contribution, towards the goal of building an increasingly prosperous and happy country.
In the new era, the strength of national unity must be transformed into concrete resources: high-quality human resources; scientific, technological and innovative capabilities; the potential of businesses; the creativity of intellectuals and youth; the experience of experts; capital from the people; and the cultural strength and resources of the Vietnamese community abroad.
At the same time, Vietnam is facing many issues that can impact social consensus, such as development disparities between regions, income gaps, inequality in access to education, healthcare, and technology; the impact of natural disasters and climate change; misinformation and divisive rhetoric on the internet.
Therefore, national unity is both a goal, a driving force, and a condition for ensuring rapid, inclusive, and sustainable development. The fruits of development must be distributed fairly, creating opportunities for all citizens to participate, contribute, and benefit, ensuring that no community or social group is left behind.
3. Great lessons about national unity in the Ho Chi Minh era
President Ho Chi Minh inherited and elevated the tradition of national unityinto a consistent revolutionary strategy. According to him, great national unity is not a temporary solution but a long-term strategic issue that determines the success of the revolution.
The foundation of national unity is the supreme interests of the Fatherland and the legitimate rights of the people. Every patriotic Vietnamese, regardless of ethnicity, religion, social class, past, or place of residence, can stand together in national unity and contribute to the common cause.
The establishment ofthe Viet Minh Front in May 1941was a significant milestone. The Viet Minh broadly united various classes, ethnic groups, religions, and strata of the people, preparing a massive political force for the victory of the August Revolution in 1945.
The Tan Trao National Congress on August 16th and 17th, 1945, with delegates from the North, Central, and South regions, is considered a “Dien Hong Conference” of the new era. The Congress demonstrated the unity of will of the entire nation in the face of a historical opportunity, adopting the policy of a general uprising and making important decisions to seize power.
Throughout the wars of resistance to defend national independence and unification, the spirit of national unity continued to be strongly promoted. Front lines and rear areas, compatriots at home and international friends, ethnic groups, religions, and all strata of society joined forces for the goal of independence, freedom, and national unity.
From the thoughts and practices of the Ho Chi Minh era, we can draw important lessons: national interests must be the focal point; the people must be the foundation; legitimate differences must be respected; common ground must be sought and expanded; individual, collective, and social interests must be harmoniously combined; practical care must be given to the people’s lives; and national strength must be combined with the strength of the times.
These lessons continue to be an important ideological and methodological foundation for Vietnam to strengthen national unity, overcome all challenges, and steadily advance on the journey of building a strong and prosperous nation.
