Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on January 7, 2026, regarding the development of Vietnamese culture, is regarded as a contemporary "Political-Cultural Manifesto". It marks a leap in theoretical thinking and the Party's leadership methods as the country enters a new era.
- Repositioning the Status of Culture: From "Foundation" to "Pillar" of Development
The most significant breakthrough of Resolution 80 is the profound shift in the perception of culture's role. Previously often viewed as "logistics" or a spiritual foundation, culture is now established as a development pillar and a regulatory system for the country's rapid and sustainable growth.
- On Par with Economy and Politics: The Party affirms that cultural development must be placed on equal footing with economy, politics, and society. Culture is no longer an outsider but must "deeply permeate" every policy, planning, and all aspects of life.
- National Soft Power: Culture is recognized as a component of national competitiveness and a "spiritual shield" that increases resistance against negative impacts from integration and alien cultures.
- Breakthrough Thinking: Investing in Culture is Investing in the Future
Resolution 80 has completely transformed the concept of cultural investment from "social spending and welfare" to development investment.
- Guiding Resources: State resources play a leading role, while social and private sector resources serve as important drivers.
- Specific Figures: For the first time, a hard quantitative target has been set: allocating a minimum of 2% of the total annual state budget to culture, increasing according to practical requirements.
- Specific Mechanisms: The Resolution allows for piloting public-private partnership models(such as public leadership - private management or public investment - private management) to unlock resources.
- Human-Centered Approach and Realizing Value Systems
The Resolution affirms that humans are the center, subject, goal, and motive of cultural development.
- Synchronous Implementation of 4 Value Systems: The focus is on the coordinated implementation of the National value system, Cultural value system, Family value system, and Vietnamese human standards.
- Building a "Cultural Defense Posture": This involves linking culture with national defense and security to protect the Party's ideological foundation in both physical and digital spaces.
- Cultural Industries and Digital Transformation: Breakthrough Drivers
The Resolution identifies the development of cultural industries as a breakthrough direction to make culture a direct contributor to economic growth.
- Economic Goals: The aim is for cultural industries to contribute 7% of GDP by 2030 and 9% by 2045.
- Digital Cultural Ecosystem: This includes building a national cultural data infrastructure, digitizing 100% of national-level heritage by 2026, and promoting models like "open museums," "mobile theaters," and "digital libraries".
- National Brands: Positioning cultural products with national brands (such as cinema, performing arts, and fashion) to enhance soft power internationally.
- "Vietnam Culture Day" on November 24: A Humanistic Policy
A special highlight of Resolution 80 is the consensus to choose November 24 annually as "Vietnam Culture Day". This will be a paid holiday for workers. This policy aims to improve the people's enjoyment of culture, honor artists, and encourage society to practice a civilized lifestyle.
Resolution 80-NQ/TW represents a shift from a "management" mindset to a cultural "governance" mindset oriented toward facilitation and service. Issued at the beginning of the 14th Congress term, it demonstrates the Party's determination to turn culture into a powerful internal resource to realize the aspiration of Vietnam's rise by 2045. The success of this Resolution depends on its realization through practical action programs, thoroughly removing institutional "bottlenecks," and mobilizing the creativity of all citizens.