Harnessing the strength and resources of the people

Eight decades have passed, and Viet Nam has turned to a new chapter: independence, unity, development, and deep international integration. Yet the lessons from the Golden Week of 1945 remain intact, even more relevant than ever.

From Historical Memory to National Development

If in the past we mobilized gold and wealth to build the nation’s finances, today we must mobilize intelligence, creativity, innovation, and the resources of the entire population to propel Viet Nam toward the goal of becoming a strong, developed nation in the new era.

First, it is the lesson of social trust and great national unity. Today, trust does not only mean supporting a fledgling government, but also the people’s belief that every policy and decision serves the common goals of improving living standards, ensuring social justice, and expanding opportunities for all. Such trust determines the unity of will in mobilizing resources for major projects—from infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, to scientific and technological development, or cultural heritage preservation.

Second, the lesson of the companionship of entrepreneurs and businesses has become even more important. If in 1945 national capitalists were ready to donate their gold and silver, then today, Viet Nam’s nearly one million businesses form the “vanguard army” on the economic front. They not only create material wealth and jobs, but also make strong contributions in emerging fields: cultural industries, the digital economy, the green economy, and the circular economy. In a globally competitive context, each business must go beyond pursuing profit alone, embracing social responsibility and a national mission. The spirit of “donating gold to the country” in the past can now be transformed into “donating intelligence, technology, and innovation” to drive Viet Nam’s breakthrough.

Third, in the new era, we must spark new “Golden Weeks”—weeks of initiatives and innovation. These may be national startup programs gathering tens of thousands of ideas from youth; innovation movements in universities and research institutes; or joint campaigns for the environment and sustainable development. If in 1945 people carried gold to support the government, today we can envision a “Startup Week” where youth dedicate their intellect, effort, and ideas to enrich the nation, or a “Technology Innovation Week”… Such new “Weeks,” if organized and amplified, would revive the spirit of great unity in modern forms, suited to the present context.

Fourth, carrying forward the lesson of the Golden Week today is not only about mobilizing domestic resources, but also about connecting with global resources. Overseas Vietnamese—with their intelligence, talents, and aspirations to contribute to their homeland—are the new “national capitalists” of the 21st century. Given opportunities and favorable conditions, overseas entrepreneurs and intellectuals can become the modern-day “gold donors,” offering their knowledge and global resources to the nation.

From the memory of the Golden Week, we can draw a timeless truth: the people’s will is the root and the source of strength.

The Aspiration of a Strong Viet Nam

Facing the opportunities and challenges of globalization, Industry 4.0, and climate change, the strength of the nation lies not only in natural resources or material wealth, but also in the intellect, aspirations, and determination of the Vietnamese people. Every entrepreneur with a bold startup idea, every scholar immersed in research, every farmer practicing sustainable agriculture, every worker devoted in the factory—all are “drops of gold” contributing to the common treasure of the nation.

The Viet Nam Fatherland Front, central mass organizations, and VCCI deeply uphold Ho Chi Minh’s thought: in this world, nothing is stronger than the unity of the people. In any circumstances, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front must serve as the firm “bridge” maintaining the blood-bond relationship between the Party, the State, and the people and businesses. By strongly inspiring trust, dedication, and creativity among all citizens, we strive with the highest determination to realize the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress and, soon, that of the 14th Party Congress.

If in 1945 the Golden Week paved the way for the survival of a fledgling State, today that spirit must be transformed into the driving force for sustainable development, the strength for Viet Nam to affirm its position in the international community. When the will of the people is united, when entrepreneurs and businesses accompany the State, and when the intellect and aspirations of the entire nation are unleashed, then no goal is too distant, no challenge insurmountable.