Prime Minister Le Minh Hung called on young people to become a leading force in building, developing and defending the Fatherland at a dialogue in Hanoi on October 15, marking the 70th anniversary of the traditional day of the Vietnam Youth Federation.
He said Vietnam is entering a new stage of development amid rapid global changes. The country is restructuring its economy to improve competitiveness and efficiency, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as major drivers.
The need to narrow the technological gap with advanced economies and constant changes in the labour market require renewed training and a high-quality workforce. Young people need a breakthrough mindset, broad skills and the ability to adapt, he said.
Hung urged young people to understand their role and historic mission, renew their mindset, deepen their knowledge and strengthen their resolve so they can respond proactively to changing circumstances and make breakthroughs.
The Prime Minister said the Party and State have always attached great importance to youth affairs. Many related policies have been institutionalised in laws and government regulations.
He said young people have achieved results in education, scientific research, technological development, innovation and digital transformation with support from the political system and society.
Youth-led digital technology teams have helped residents build and operate a digital government and society. Vietnam’s startup ecosystem grew by nearly 68% in 2026 compared with 2025, entering the global top 50 and Asia’s top 10, he said.
Young people have also helped preserve national cultural identity, volunteered to defend the Fatherland, contributed to social welfare and environmental protection, and participated in international integration.
Hung congratulated young people on achievements that contributed to the country’s progress. He also said challenges remain and require reflection by youth organisations and young people themselves.
These include a weak sense of purpose and responsibility among some young people, skills that fall short of labour-market requirements, shortcomings in support for education and research, and a lack of breakthroughs in entrepreneurship support.
The Prime Minister called on ministries and central agencies to implement youth development resolutions, programmes and projects effectively and translate them into concrete action plans. Youth development targets should be included in socio-economic development plans.
Hung assigned tasks to ministries and agencies to support youth development. He asked local authorities to create conditions for youth entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation, and to help young people access vocational training, employment, capital, technology and markets.
He urged the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee to represent and support young people, protect their legitimate rights and interests, coordinate with the Government and identify sectors for youth participation.
The union should also work with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, support enterprises, and connect young people with scientists, businesses, investors, educational institutions and markets.
Hung said the Party, State, Government and entire political system would continue to listen to and support young people and create conditions for them to realise their aspirations.
He expressed hope that young people would act with initiative, dare to think and act, uphold previous generations’ traditions and contribute to national construction, defence and development.
The Prime Minister presented flowers and a commemorative gift to the Vietnam Youth Federation and to several outstanding young people from different fields.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
