Hanoi’s soft power lies in unity: Municipal Party Chief

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi will continue to turn citywide unity into a form of soft power for development and integration, joining all citizens in building a prosperous, modern and happy capital and nation.

This message was given by Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Duy Ngoc at the 18th Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi held this morning, November 18.

The Hanoi Party Chief stressed that throughout Vietnam’s long struggle to build and defend the nation, unity has been the force that carried the country through hardships to victory.

Citing President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching “Unity, unity, great unity. Success, success, great success,” he said the message remains a guiding light for every achievement of the revolution and every milestone the capital strives to reach today and in the future.

Ngoc highlighted that Hanoi sees the strengthening of national unity not only as a strategic mission but also as a core source of momentum for sustainable development.

He noted that during the last term, the Party Committee, the government, the Fatherland Front and the people of the capital remained resilient and worked side by side despite challenges “unlike anything seen before.”

Reflecting on recent progress, he described the Hanoi Fatherland Front as the “heart” of the unity bloc and the bridge connecting the Party and the government with the people.

He called on the Fatherland Front at all levels to deepen community engagement, strengthen social consensus and continue mobilizing citizens to join efforts that support the city’s long-term development goals.

A living tradition

The Hanoi Party Chief's message carries added relevance this week as Hanoi and the rest of the country celebrate the National Great Unity Day across residential communities. The occasion marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Unified National Front of Vietnam on November 18, 1930.

Across the capital, the atmosphere has been lively and warm. In many neighborhoods, cultural houses and courtyards filled with music, sports activities, children’s performances and visits to families with special circumstances.

Gifts for low-income households and policy beneficiary families helped turn the celebration into both a festival and a reminder of community care.

For many residents, the day is not only an annual gathering.

“This is the one event where everyone comes together, no matter their age or background,” said Tran Thi Hoa, a resident of Ba Dinh Ward. “We talk, we share, we help each other. It reminds us that unity is something we build every day.”

Others see it as an important opportunity for dialogue with local authorities. Nguyen Van Kien, a shop owner in Long Bien Ward, said he values the chance to raise concerns directly with officials.

“When local leaders sit with us, listen to our problems and explain solutions, it builds trust. You can feel that your voice matters," said Kien.

For local Party committees and authorities, the event is also a chance to identify issues early and work with communities on practical solutions. These conversations help reinforce trust between government bodies and residents and strengthen the unity bloc that leaders say is essential for the capital’s long-term development.

Many residents said the celebration renews their sense of belonging. “It reminds me of what my parents used to tell me: a strong community makes life better for everyone,” shared Le Minh Duc, a 24-year-old university student in Tay Ho Ward.

Goals for a modern and happy capital

Looking toward 2026, the Hanoi Party Committee has set ambitious goals for the capital to become cultured, modern and happy, with 43 specific indicators, annual growth of 11 percent, and an average income of VND300 million (US$12,000) per person.

To translate these goals into action, departments, agencies, districts, communes and the Fatherland Front are drafting detailed plans down to each Party cell and residential community.

The plans align with human development indicators and the happiness index, ensuring that progress is measured not only through economic data but also through well-being and quality of life.

Local administrations continue to emphasize grassroots democracy as the key to building a government that is close to the people, works with the people and resolves issues early.

Party cells, Fatherland Front committees and mass organizations are encouraging residents to contribute feedback to the documents for the 14th National Party Congress so that upcoming political directions reflect the aspirations and expectations of the public.