Vietnam’s PM Urges Young Generation to Drive Innovation and National Progress

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has called on young people to take a leading role in building, developing and defending the Fatherland, stressing the importance of innovation, knowledge, skills and a strong sense of national responsibility in the country’s new stage of development.

The prime minister made the remarks during a dialogue with young people in Hànội on Thursday, marking the 70th anniversary of the traditional day of the Việtnam Youth Federation, observed on October 15, 1956–2026.

PM Hưng said Việtnam was entering a new phase of development amid rapid global changes and shifting economic and technological landscapes. He noted that the country was restructuring its economy to enhance competitiveness and efficiency, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation serving as key drivers of progress.

He emphasised that narrowing the technological gap with advanced economies and responding to changing labour market requirements demanded a highly skilled workforce equipped with innovative thinking, comprehensive capabilities and the flexibility to adapt to emerging challenges.

Against this backdrop, the prime minister urged young people to recognise their role and historic mission, renew their thinking, expand their knowledge and strengthen their determination to contribute to national development and achieve breakthroughs in their respective fields.

He reaffirmed that the Party and State had consistently prioritised youth affairs and introduced policies, legal provisions and government regulations to support young people’s development.

Highlighting the achievements of Việt Nam’s younger generation, PM Hưng said young people had made significant contributions to education, scientific research, technological advancement, innovation and digital transformation through various emulation movements and entrepreneurship initiatives.

He noted that youth-led community digital technology teams had helped residents access and operate digital government services while contributing to the development of a digital society. According to the prime minister, Việt Nam’s startup ecosystem expanded by nearly 68 per cent in 2026 compared with 2025, entering the global top 50 and Asia’s top 10.

Young people had also played an active role in preserving and promoting national cultural identity, volunteering for national defence, supporting social welfare initiatives, protecting the environment and advancing international integration. Their participation in major international forums and conferences had further demonstrated their commitment to the country’s development and global engagement.

The prime minister praised the achievements of young people, describing their contributions as an important part of Việt Nam’s overall progress and highlighting the creativity, enthusiasm and potential of the younger generation.

However, he also pointed to several challenges requiring attention from the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, the Việt Nam Youth Federation and young people themselves.

These included inadequate awareness of national responsibility among some young people, gaps between existing skills and increasingly demanding labour market requirements, shortcomings in policies supporting education and scientific research, and the need for more effective mechanisms to promote entrepreneurship.

PM Hưng called on ministries and central agencies to implement the Party’s resolutions and youth development programmes more decisively, translating policy commitments into practical action plans. He stressed that youth development targets should be incorporated into socio-economic development strategies, programmes and projects.

He also called for stronger policies to place capable young officials in appropriate and important positions within the political system and gradually increase the representation of young leaders and managers across different sectors and administrative levels.

The prime minister assigned specific responsibilities to ministries, sectors and relevant agencies to promote the comprehensive development of young people.

He urged provincial and municipal People’s Committees to create favourable conditions for youth entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation. Local authorities were also encouraged to identify development challenges that young people, young intellectuals and young businesses could help address.

Particular attention, he said, should be given to rural youth, young people from ethnic minority communities and disadvantaged groups by improving their access to vocational training, employment opportunities, financing, technology and markets.

PM Hưng also called on the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee to strengthen its role in representing young people, supporting their development and protecting their legitimate rights and interests.

He encouraged the organisation to coordinate with the Government, particularly the Ministry of Science and Technology, to identify strategic technology products and specific sectors in which young people could make meaningful contributions.

The union was also urged to cooperate with the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to address business concerns and support enterprises, particularly youth-led businesses. The prime minister stressed the importance of connecting young people with scientists, investors, educational institutions, businesses and markets while developing networks of young innovators, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and successful rural businesspeople.

Emphasising that young people would shape the country’s future and determine Việt Nam’s position in the new era, PM Hưng reaffirmed that the Party, State, Government and entire political system would continue to listen to and support the younger generation.

He said the government would place its trust in young people and work to create favourable conditions for them to realise their aspirations, fulfil their potential and contribute to national progress.

The prime minister expressed confidence that young people would continue to demonstrate a pioneering spirit, take initiative, dare to think and act, uphold the traditions of previous generations and make meaningful contributions to the construction, defence and development of Việt Nam.

On the occasion, PM Hưng presented flowers and a commemorative gift to the Việt Nam Youth Federation, as well as recognitions to several outstanding young individuals representing different fields.