Vietnam's "rising era" is expected not only to drive the country's robust development but also to make greater contributions to the global community.

General Secretary and State President To Lam makes the speech. Photos: VNA

General Secretary and State President To Lam shared the view during his policy speech at Columbia University on September 23, as the Party Chief is currently attending the UN’s High-level week.

In his speech at the 270-year-old university, which has trained four US presidents and numerous scientists, General Secretary and President To Lam spoke about the path toward the "era of national growth," Vietnam-US relations, and the vision for building a better future for all of humanity.

"Vietnam is at the threshold of a new historical era – the era of national growth. The significant achievements of the Reform (Doi moi) process are the foundation for the Vietnamese people to trust in the future ahead," said the General Secretary and President.

Overcoming many challenges, Vietnam has reclaimed independence and, after suffering from war and being enslaved, now asserts itself as a dynamic and growing economy, ranking among the top 40 economies and top 20 in trade globally.

Once isolated and besieged, Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with 194 countries and strategic partnerships with 30 countries, including all major powers and all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

"The development path of Vietnam cannot be separated from the global trends and the civilization of humanity. The tradition of the Vietnamese people is 'prosperous because of friends.' We cannot achieve our goals without the sincere international solidarity, valuable support, and effective cooperation from the international community. Our success is your success," said To Lam.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam will continue to strengthen its Renovation efforts, opening up and integrating deeply and comprehensively into the world. It will remain a stable, reliable, and attractive destination for investors, businesses, and tourists. Vietnam is committed to an independent, self-reliant, multilateral foreign policy, being a trusted partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community. "There can be no development without peace. Inheriting the peaceful and harmonious tradition of our people, 'choosing benevolence over force,' Vietnam will steadfastly pursue a 'four-no' defense policy, strongly supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes and differences based on the UN Charter, international law, and opposing unilateral actions, political power tactics, and the use or threat of force in international relations," he said.

Vietnam has proven its responsibility to the international community. The United Nations considers Vietnam one of the leading countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite challenges, Vietnam is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Vietnamese peacekeepers in UN missions in some African countries not only maintain security but also assist local people in their daily lives.

"With the new strength of the country, Vietnam is determined to effectively carry out diplomacy in this new era, ready to contribute more proactively and positively to global politics, the global economy, and the advancement of humanity," declared the General Secretary and President.

In his speech at Columbia University, the Vietnamese leader also mentioned the development of Vietnam-US relations, which have evolved from former adversaries to partners over nearly 30 years.

The two countries have made progress in all areas, from politics and diplomacy to economics, trade, defense, security, war recovery, education, and international frameworks. There are currently about 30,000 Vietnamese students studying in the US.

The General Secretary and President outlined visions for building a better future for all of humanity. He suggested that to develop relations, nations must promote research on each other's history, culture, people, political system, and socio-economic conditions. "If countries understand and respect each other's legitimate interests and build mutual trust, the world will be more peaceful and less conflicted," he commented.

Overview of the event.

He believes that every issue has a solution if conflicting nations promote finding peaceful resolutions through dialogue, based on international law.

He emphasized that countries need to fulfill their highest responsibility to the international community, always placing people at the center and uniting toward the future.

"Vietnam's motto is to leave the past behind and focus on the future. We do not forget the past, but we do not let it become a burden that hinders the development of the present and the future," said the General Secretary and President. "I believe that with the approach of international solidarity and a forward-looking focus, along with the success of Vietnam-U.S. relations, the world will turn the impossible into the possible and continue to build a sustainable and progressive civilization for all of humanity."

After his policy speech, the General Secretary and President To Lam answered questions from students on various topics, including national security, socio-economic issues, and international relations, and received enthusiastic applause.

Le Kieu Anh, a student in the master's program in education at Columbia University, asked about Vietnam’s policy to encourage overseas students to return home and contribute to the country’s development, while also maintaining cultural ties and fostering cooperation with the host countries.

The General Secretary and President acknowledged that many Vietnamese students study abroad to access advanced science and technology and return to contribute to the country. He mentioned that Vietnam has many policies to encourage this, noting that the number of Vietnamese students abroad, especially in the US, has never been higher. He encouraged students to continue "striving, working hard, and aiming higher."

However, he also pointed out that it is not necessary to return home to contribute. He encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to continue studying abroad if they can, especially in fields that are important to the country's development.

The Vietnamese leader also encouraged students to contribute to the host countries as well, achieving "international-level" success and contributing to the common progress of humanity. He emphasized the responsibility of intellectuals in addressing global issues, particularly those in poorer, less-developed nations.

This message encouraging contributions to the common good aligned with the statement he made in his speech: "On the journey toward the future, Vietnam will continue to stand side by side with friends and international partners, sharing a vision, coordinating actions, and striving for the best goals for all of humanity."