Placing “Civilization – Identity – Creativity” at the heart of Hanoi’s development

THE HANOI TIMES — Party General Secretary To Lam has stressed the need to place “Civilization – Identity – Creativity” at the center of all development orientations for the capital, describing these as powerful internal drivers and the foundation of Hanoi’s spirit, intellect and progress.

In his speech at the opening session of the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term on October 16, the Party chief affirmed that Hanoi is not only the nation’s political and administrative hub but also the cultural heart where the essence of the Vietnamese people converges.

“The strength of the capital lies not in its population size or GDP, but in the depth of its culture cultivated over millennia,” he said.

He called for Hanoi to be shaped as a “civilized, distinctive and creative city,” heading toward a “modern, sustainable and globally connected capital” that embodies both historical depth and contemporary intelligence.

According to General Secretary To Lam, civilization represents the roots and intellect of the nation, identity is its core advantage and creativity is the driving force for growth. Their integration would enable Hanoi to preserve its cultural essence while unleashing innovation, developing a knowledge-based economy, attracting talent and promoting Vietnamese cultural values worldwide.

He stressed that every policy, project and investment decision in the capital must preserve traditional character, shape a lasting cultural space for future generations and simultaneously foster innovation.

“Hanoi should serve as a model in promoting cultural values, nurturing human development and building creative spaces,” stated the general secretary.

In this regard, the Party leader proposed the creation of three strategic “creative hubs”, including “Heritage”, which encompasses the historic inner-city core, the Red River urban space and the Co Loa Ancient Citadel; “Knowledge”, centers on Vietnam National University and other major academic and research institutions and “Technology”, covering the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and surrounding innovation zones.

These hubs will serve as the driving axis of the capital’s creative energy, leveraging the combined values of history, intellect and technology to shape Hanoi as a city where the past, present and future converge.

Another issue is placing people at the heart of every policy. He urged Hanoi to focus on nurturing cultural and moral values, a sense of responsibility and the aspiration for progress among Hanoi’s citizens. “Every project, policy and decision must carry the breath of culture and reflect a human-centered and sustainable vision.”

Reaffirming the city’s special role in national development, the Party leader stated that Hanoi must be “a locomotive of innovation and a hub for culture, science and creativity,” contributing more strongly to the nation’s prosperity and security in the new era.

He urged the capital to reform its growth model, promote the knowledge economy, accelerate digital transformation, improve governance and enhance the quality of urban life.

Responding to To Lam’s directive, Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai affirmed that the city’s Party will concretize the vision of “Civilization – Identity – Creativity” in every strategic plan, regardless of urban planning, economic development, culture and human resource building.

She pledged that Hanoi will continue to uphold its thousand-year-old tradition of learning and culture while fostering an environment of creativity and responsibility among officials, intellectuals, artists and young generations.

Hanoi enters a new phase with the aspiration to build a capital that is modern, dynamic and rooted in cultural values, a true heart of the nation and a city of peace.