From June 19 to June 21, 2026, the port city of Hai Phong officially became the national hub for the Vietnamese press, hosting a series of large-scale events to commemorate the 101st Anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 – June 21, 2026). Coordinated with the Vietnam Journalists Association, this milestone event brought together approximately 1,000 delegates, including leaders of press associations, research institutes, and international journalists, to celebrate the mission of the press in the "New Era".
A Vision of Loyalty, Creativity, and Responsibility
The centerpiece of the festivities was the National Press Festival 2026, held at the City Convention and Performance Center under the theme: "Vietnam Press - Loyal, Creative, and Responsible in the New Era". The festival featured nearly 90 booths from central and local media agencies, showcasing the historical achievements and future trajectory of the revolutionary press.
A specialized area titled "101 Years of Vietnam Revolutionary Press - Achievements and Mission" provided a panoramic view of the media’s evolution, while a dedicated section for Digital Press highlighted the latest technological applications in modern journalism. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Le Ngoc Chau, Secretary of the City Party Committee, delivered a welcoming speech and inaugurated a specialized information portal on "Digital Transformation," underscoring the press's role as a vanguard in the nation's modernization.
The National Press Forum: Shaping the Future
Complementing the festival, the National Press Forum 2026 served as a high-level academic and professional platform. Organized into 11 sessions, including specialized and thematic discussions, the forum gathered media leaders and communication experts to discuss the strategic development of the press following the 14th National Party Congress.
Key topics included the trend of digital transformation, innovations in media business models, and the critical importance of enhancing content quality and professional ethics. These discussions aimed to ensure that the revolutionary press remains a reliable bridge between the Party, the State, and the people while adapting to the rapid changes of the global information landscape.
Honoring Journalistic Excellence
The emotional peak of the series was the 20th National Press Awards (2025), a prestigious national program held on the evening of June 21 at the Hoa Phuong Theater. The ceremony, broadcast live on VTV and VOV, honored outstanding works in print, radio, television, electronic press, and photography.
Top city leaders, including Mr. Le Ngoc Chau and Mr. Do Thanh Trung, Chairman of the City People's Committee, attended the event to present awards to the winning authors and groups. This ceremony was more than a prize-giving event; it was a tribute to the courage and dedication of journalists who work tirelessly to reflect the realities of life and contribute to the nation’s development.
Strengthening International Ties
A unique feature of this 101st anniversary was its strong focus on international cooperation, specifically with neighboring countries in the ASEAN region. The final round of the "Singing of Journalists - Extended 2026" competition featured contestants not only from domestic agencies but also from Journalists Associations in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Furthermore, a delegation of 19 international journalists—including Mr. Savanhkhone Razmountry (President of the Lao Journalists Association), Mr. Puy Kea (President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists), and Mr. Nakorn Veerapavati (President of the Confederation of Thai Journalists)—participated in a special field trip to the HABECO Beer Factory in Hai Phong on June 18. This visit allowed international media leaders to exchange ideas with local officials, and witness firsthand Hai Phong’s industrial and economic growth.
The Significance of the Event
The successful organization of these events in Hai Phong carries profound significance. First, it serves as a powerful implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, aligning the press's mission with the nation's political goals. Second, it reaffirms Hai Phong’s status as a "Converging and Shining" city—a dynamic gateway that is ready to host national and international events of the highest caliber.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for the city to pay homage to its revolutionary roots. On June 19, a delegation of journalists held an incense offering ceremony for Mr. Nguyen Duc Cảnh, the first Secretary of the Hai Phong City Party Committee and a pioneer of the revolutionary movement.
In conclusion, the 101st Anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day in Hai Phong was a multifaceted event that blended professional development, cultural exchange, and national pride. It reinforced the "Loyalty, Creativity, and Responsibility" of journalists while showcasing Hai Phong as a hospitable and modern city on the rise. The memories of the gala dinner, where over 700 delegates gathered in a spirit of solidarity, will remain a testament to the enduring strength of the revolutionary press.