Hanoi is on its way to becoming a civilized, cultured, and modern city that lives up to the national expectation of becoming the heart of the nation. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024), the following ideas were reported by the Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People's Army) Newspaper.

Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Urban Planning and Development, former Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture

A corner of Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha/The Hanoi Times

Over the past 70 years, Hanoi's urban planning has always been a top priority for the Party, the State, and the whole society. In general, Hanoi's urban planning is positively evaluated as scientific and comprehensive. However, the overall work remains inconsistent, resulting in isolated and fragmented urban development projects.

Many projects for new urban areas have been delayed, and the new urban spaces have not yet been harmonized with the renovation, rehabilitation, conservation, and promotion of urban heritage. The management, evaluation, and implementation of urban planning projects often show signs of vested interests among sectors and local authorities.

Therefore, the capital needs to improve the management of specific and sectoral plans, in addition to developing specific plans to implement the General Urban Development Plan.

According to Politburo Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW, Hanoi has eight key tasks to accomplish by 2045. One of the tasks is to "focus on creating new growth drivers and develop a wide range of satellite cities...". To fulfill this mission, it is necessary to raise public awareness and ensure a unified understanding, from which an appropriate roadmap can be established.

For Hanoi, this is a unique and creative model to drive the city's socio-economic development. Building satellite cities will generate new growth centers and reduce pressure on the capital, as these satellite cities will attract people from the central region to the outskirts.

In addition, many urban development projects become unfeasible due to insufficient resources. In order to ensure the feasibility of the new plans, we should make a strategic urban plan with specific directions and major goals, and examine the availability of resources.

With the determination of the entire political system and the scientific, practical implementation of plans, we hope to establish a high-quality urban plan for the capital.

Nguyen Lan Cuong, Secretary General of the Vietnam Archaeological Association

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Hanoi is a cultural land with a long history, considered the epicenter of archaeological relics. As the city moves toward industrialization and modernization, the demand for construction projects is increasing, but many have been stalled due to the discovery of artifacts. Much of the artifacts are damaged during the excavation process, negatively affecting their original cultural significance.

I think we need to create an archaeological planning map for the city. This should be an urgent, essential task to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the capital.

Such a map would help predict areas with potential relics, reducing project delays and allowing scientists to preserve valuable artifacts in a timely and intact manner. This proactive approach will allow new construction projects to be coordinated with cultural preservation activities.

Archaeological heritage is a valuable resource that helps Hanoi develop its cultural industry and cultural products and contributes to promoting Hanoi's culture as a millennial city.

Bui Thi An, President of the Hanoi Association of Women Intellectuals

Pharmaceutical products on display at a science fair. Photo: Phuong Nga/The Hanoi Times

In recent years, Hanoi's intellectual community has made significant contributions to the development of the capital's socio-economic growth. We have advised the city authorities on important issues such as socio-economic development, national defense, security, and political system building.

We can now be more pragmatic and productive because the Hanoi government has given special consideration to intellectuals in the area, especially women intellectuals. We've been able to resolve important issues without undue delays or complicated administrative procedures by having direct meetings and discussions with local authorities.  

To transform Hanoi into a cultured, civilized, and modern metropolis in 2030, human resource management must be a top priority. I suggest that the city's leaders initiate policies to utilize the scientific and intellectual workforce and maximize their efforts.

We have proposed that the city authorities select and entrust us with some important scientific and technological projects. We are ready and willing to participate with the highest sense of responsibility. In addition, the city should honor intellectuals and scientists for their contributions. This would also inspire talented young people to come and stay in the capital and commit themselves to contributing to Hanoi's growth.

Nguyen Duc Trong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Youth Union, the National Economics University

Students from the National Economics University volunteer to clean up the environment in Phu Tho Province after Typhoon Yagi. Photo: Hanoi Students Association

Hanoi now has three million young people, accounting for 35% of the city's population. Hanoi's youth are patriotic and proud of their national identity and live healthy lifestyles with a strong sense of responsibility.

The city has always created favorable conditions for young people to study, build careers, and participate in social activities. As a result, many outstanding names have emerged, making significant contributions to the industrialization, modernization, and development of the capital.

To help young people in Hanoi realize their potential and maximize their abilities, the Youth Union at all levels should proactively advise their Party committees to guide youth activities.

The city's Youth Union is required to help its members improve their political awareness and promote their proactive role in defending the Party's ideological foundation. In addition, young people in Hanoi must consolidate their political and ideological foundations in order to recognize and counter false information spread by hostile forces.

It is my firm belief that the younger generation will continue to contribute to the building of a civilized and modern capital city.