Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng presents a picture to congratulate youths nationwide at a ceremony held to mark the 85th founding anniversary of the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

HÀ NỘI — A ceremony was held yesterday to mark the 85th founding anniversary of the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYUCC).

Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, former Party General Secretary Nông Đức Mạnh, former Presidents Lê Đức Anh, Trần Đức Lương, Nguyễn Minh Triết and other members of the Politburo were in attendance.

On behalf of the Party and State, Politburo member and standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Đinh Thế Huynh praised the contribution of youths from different generations nationwide to the country’s development and construction.

He suggested that the HCYUCC enhance political education for the youths and encourage them to keep studying for future development, as well as to organise and join volunteer activities and programmes, particularly in remote, mountainous and island areas.

The union should also work closely with relevant ministries and organisations to mobilise society in creating favourable conditions for the youths to study, work, entertain, exercise and contribute to the country’s development, he said.

He instructed the HCYUCC at all levels to continue improving efficiency and regularly updating knowledge and improving international integration capacity for youths.

At the ceremony, 85 outstanding youths were honoured with the Lý Tự Trọng Award for their outstanding achievements in study, work and in carrying out tasks related to the HCYUCC.

Since its inception 11 years ago, the award has honoured 886 union officials and members at different levels who have made noted achievements in all fields. Among this year’s awardees, there are eight people from ethnic minorities.

Earlier the same day, the 85 youths were received by President Trương Tấn Sang, who said the Party and State considered the role played by youths important and encouraged them to take a greater part in national defence, construction and development.

Young people should equip themselves with more ideals in order to make greater contributions to the country, he said. Hailing the awardees for their performance in the youth union, Sang urged them to carry forward their talent and enthusiasm in studying, as well as in youth-union-related activities. Youth union officials need to focus on the building and realisation of guidelines and resolutions in order to reap better results, he said. The youths made a range of proposals to the President and the HCYUCC Secretariat in a bid to remove difficulties hindering youth union work. — VNS