Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Chairman of the Central Council for Emulation and Commendation for the 2021–2026 tenure, chairs the council’s 12th session in Hà Nội on June 28, 2025. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Chairman of the Central Council for Emulation and Commendation for the 2021–2026 tenure, chaired the council’s 12th session in Hà Nội on June 28 to review its performance in the first half of 2025 and set priorities for the remaining months.

The meeting also considered nominations for the titles “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” and “Hero of Labour” for individuals and collectives with outstanding contributions to national development and defence.

Over the past six months, emulation movements have played a key role in energising national efforts to overcome difficulties, accelerate socio-economic recovery, and implement major development tasks for 2025 and the 2021–2025 five-year plan.

Campaigns launched by the Prime Minister such as those to promote innovation and digital transformation, eradicate makeshift and dilapidated houses in 2025, complete the construction of 3,000 km of expressways in 500 days and nights, build new-style rural areas, support the poor and leave no one behind, and develop a life-long learning society, have gained momentum across sectors and localities.

The council reviewed recommendations for awarding the title “Hero City” to one locality; “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” to 22 collectives and 13 individuals; and “Hero of Labour” to four collectives and two individuals. Between January and June, 31,227 individuals and collectives received commendations from the President and 6,785 others from the Prime Minister.

Speaking at the session, PM Chính underlined the importance of emulation movements in the context of numerous national milestones in 2025, including the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, the 135th birth anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh, and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification. He emphasised that emulation must serve as a unifying force, generating enthusiasm across society.

The PM hailed the council’s efforts in decentralisation and delegation of power in the field of emulation and commendation in the reform context.

He highlighted major political and administrative reforms undertaken under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, Politburo and Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, particularly streamlining the political system’s organisational apparatus at all levels and implementing four key resolutions of the Politburo.

He called for a renewed push in emulation and commendation efforts, especially as Việt Nam prepares for the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress and the 14th National Party Congress.

PM Chính urged localities to intensify patriotic emulation campaigns aligned with national development goals, emphasising real results that directly benefit citizens. He proposed launching a new movement to create wealth and pay taxes, and called for the completion of ongoing campaigns such as the 500-day drive for expressways and the effort to eliminate makeshift housing.

He also encouraged creative outreach, such as a national competition for literary, artistic, and journalistic works spotlighting exemplary individuals and good deeds, to inspire civic pride and cultural engagement.

The Government leader stressed the need to continue improving laws and regulations on emulation and commendation to reflect Việt Nam’s evolving governance structures.

He directed ministries and localities to ensure recognition is timely, transparent, and impactful, choosing the right persons, for the right achievements, at the right time.

By reinforcing the spirit of unity, discipline, innovation, and responsibility, PM Chính affirmed that the emulation movement remains a driving force in achieving the nation’s goals for 2025 and beyond. — VNA/VNS