Modern journalism as a bridge for sustainable growth between state and people

THE HANOI TIMES — In today’s flat world, modern journalism must act as a bridge between the government, the public and businesses to foster sustainable development.

This message was highlighted by Associate Professor - Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper, during a meeting with a delegation of ActionAid International Country Directors today (September 20).

According to Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thanh Loi, development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, harmonizing long-term interests as a national goal.

“Journalism shares the same mission by spreading strong messages to the public, as every citizen contributes to this common cause,” he said.

Loi emphasized that, alongside other newspapers in Vietnam, Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper strives to address economic growth while focusing on modern and civilized urban governance.

Given that economic growth exerts pressure on the environment, air quality and traffic, the newspaper consistently works to balance these factors in pursuit of a green, civilized and modern Hanoi, he noted.

In practice, the Hanoi-based newspaper has been active in promoting sustainable development. Beyond reporting on economics, urban affairs and transport, it has partnered with local governments to spread positive values, aiming to build a modern and civilized society.

One example is the program “Silent Contributions”, jointly organized with ActionAid Vietnam and the Vietnam Assistance for Social Protection Programs and Projects Foundation (AFV) every year.

True to its name, the program honors individuals and organizations who contribute to sustainable development, empower women and fight against injustice.

In June 2025, three organizations visited Lai Hoa, a coastal commune in Cantho City, to plant 2,025 trees with the participation of reporters from across the country. The initiative supported environmental protection and underscored the commitment of journalists and media professionals to sustainable development closely linked to people’s daily lives.

Most recently, on September 18, with the Vietnam Women’s Newspaper and Oscar Media JSC, the newspaper hosted the special art program “Parental Gratitude 2025” at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labor Cultural Palace during the Vu Lan season.

Now in its eighth year, the program marked the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).

It paid tribute to those who sacrificed for independence and freedom, especially Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, wounded and fallen soldiers. At the same time, it nutured filial piety, patriotism, and civic awareness among young generations.

After listening to the newspaper’s activities promoting social responsibility, Sujeeta Mathema, Country Director of ActionAid in Nepal, stressed that economic development must balance the interests of both the wealthy and the disadvantaged.

“I believe a strong economy also relies on the middle class, which helps drive stability,” she said.

Sujeeta noted that development can cause inequality and instability, adding that ActionAid in Nepal is eager to learn from Vietnam’s experience in addressing these challenges.

On the role of the press, especially Economic & Urban Newspaper, Nguyen Thanh Loi said: “The mission of the press is different from other industries. We, as journalists, are the secretaries of time. We record history, convey emotions and provide information to the next generations.”

He affirmed that the press plays a key role in delivering the Party and State’s policies and laws to the public, ensuring equal rights and obligations for all, regardless of background, gender and status.

“When we speak of economic growth, we must also speak of sustainability. Development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, considering not just short-term gains but also the future,” he said.

“For the nation’s shared progress, journalism must communicate these messages strongly to mobilize every citizen and business.”

At the meeting, Hoang Phuong Thao, Country Director of ActionAid Vietnam, said Vietnam’s journalism has a 100-year tradition and distinct practices compared to other countries.

The ActionAid international delegation hoped to learn from the newspaper’s experience in carrying out community support programs in ways suitable to their own countries, she added.

Thao stressed that ActionAid Vietnam has long worked with Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper on the “Silent Contributions” program.

“The newspaper has developed many stories and themes that enriched the program, providing more information and continuous renewal. ActionAid Vietnam looks forward to long-term cooperation with Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper,” she said.

Artificial intelligence and modern journalism

During the session, Sandeep Chachra, Country Director of ActionAid India, and Sujeeta Mathema of ActionAid Nepal, raised questions about how Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper is adopting new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in its work.

They remarked that while AI can improve processes, it cannot replace core journalistic functions or the emotions behind writing.

Responding, Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thanh Loi said that AI is one of the most important technologies being applied in communications today.

He acknowledged that technological advances are inevitable: “We have to face them, use them and accept them.”

However, he stressed that AI and digital tools cannot dictate journalistic content.

Vietnamese newspapers, including Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper, are undergoing digital transformation to build a smart, user-friendly ecosystem based on fundamental knowledge.

Big data and AI, he explained, help make content more intelligent and efficient, allowing reporters to spend less time drafting stories and to approach issues from new angles.

Still, Loi warned that journalists must not depend entirely on digital tools.

“Journalists cannot miss out on the benefits of AI, but it should only serve as an assistant to sharpen professional skills,” he said.

“If AI replaces humans, newspapers will lose their emotional core. Journalism needs creativity and emotion.”

He also cautioned that overreliance on AI could spread unchecked misinformation.

“This is already happening globally. AI still lacks the ability to fully analyze and evaluate information, and as a result, it can generate misleading or inaccurate content,” the Editor-in-Chief affirmed.

The meeting highlighted the shared mission of journalism and civil society organizations, ensuring that development is sustainable, inclusive and rooted in human values.

As Vietnam’s press embraces digital transformation while upholding its social responsibilities, partnerships like those with ActionAid reaffirm the enduring role of the media as both a witness to history and a driver of progress.