Continuing the legacy of Vietnam's legendary kings and forebears, in the autumn of 1010, Emperor Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La (later renamed Thang Long, present-day Hanoi). His visionary leadership and ambition to "build a lasting foundation for future generations" marked the beginning of a glorious period of national development. Over more than a millennium, through countless challenges, Thang Long – Hanoi has stood resilient and victorious against numerous invaders, earning a place in history with iconic battles at Ham Tu, Chuong Duong, Dong Quan, Ngoc Hoi, and Dong Da. The city truly embodies the spirit of the Vietnamese people and the sacred energy of the nation's mountains and rivers.

In the 20th century, as the nation struggled under colonial and feudal oppression, the people of Hanoi gradually rose up to fight. The city became a revolutionary cradle, home to the first revolutionary youth organization and the first Communist Party cell. Just over a month after the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Hanoi's Party Committee was established on March 17, 1930. Despite being repeatedly suppressed, the Party in Hanoi continued to grow, leading revolutionary movements, culminating in the August Revolution of 1945, which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

However, peace was short-lived as the French, seeking to re-colonize the country, launched hostilities in southern Vietnam on September 23, 1945, and soon extended the war nationwide. Responding to President Ho Chi Minh's call to resist, the people of Hanoi rose up on December 19, 1946, in the spirit of "sacrifice all rather than lose our country." Over 60 heroic days and nights, the people of Hanoi valiantly fought to delay the enemy and protect the evacuation of key resistance forces. After nine years of protracted struggle, the Vietnamese forces achieved a decisive victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, forcing the French to sign the Geneva Accords, recognizing Vietnam's independence.

On October 9, 1954, the last French troops withdrew from Hanoi. The next day, October 10, Vietnamese forces triumphantly entered the capital. Over 400,000 Hanoians celebrated the victory, marking the city's liberation and the end of colonial rule, as the people took charge of building a new socialist society.

After the liberation of Hanoi in 1954, the city quickly focused on rebuilding and laying the groundwork for socialism in the North. Hanoi's role as a major rear support for the southern front during the American War, particularly the 1972 "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the Air" victory, was pivotal in securing the Paris Peace Accords and the eventual unification of Vietnam in 1975.

Since then, Hanoi has transitioned through the subsidy period, embraced reforms, and integrated internationally. The city's economy has grown rapidly, with labor productivity rising significantly. As of 2023, Hanoi's state budget revenue exceeded VND410 trillion ($16.5 billion), and the average income of its citizens surpassed VND151 million ($6,000) per person per year. The poverty rate has nearly been eradicated.

Hanoi's recent strategic initiatives aim to address long-term challenges and boost development, including major projects like the Capital Law (amended) and the Capital Master Plan. The city also successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, showcasing its resilience. The development of modern infrastructure and a focus on culture and education has transformed Hanoi into a leading global city known for its safety, friendliness, and attractiveness. Over the past 70 years, the capital has achieved remarkable growth and is poised for even greater success.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh advised: "The whole country looks to our capital. The world looks to our capital." Thus, Hanoi must set an example as a leading city to become a "peaceful and beautiful capital, strong in both material and spiritual aspects." In the context of global fluctuations and new development trends, Hanoi is integrating powerfully. It faces unprecedented challenges, and as former General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized, Hanoi "cannot be like other localities; it must be higher and stronger."

In its efforts to grow and mature, Hanoi has received significant attention and guidance from the Central Government, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. After assuming the highest position in the Party, General Secretary and President To Lam worked closely with the Hanoi Party Committee. In his important directives, he stressed enhancing the spirit of dynamism and creativity, promoting bold thinking, and continuously innovating to further advance Hanoi comprehensively, establishing it as a model city for the entire country.

The Hanoi Party Committee, government, and people recognize that their vision extends beyond a single term, focusing on long-term strategies and suitable approaches to maximize opportunities and resources for building and developing the capital, aligning with the high political resolve to successfully implement Resolution No. 15-NQ/TU of the Politburo. Hanoi acknowledges its unique position and advantages in the national renewal process.

To spur new momentum, the Party Committee, government, and people must deepen their understanding of Hanoi's potential and advantages as the capital of intellect and human dignity, a heroic city, a peace city, and a creative city. They must invigorate the rich cultural tradition of a millennium and embrace a proactive and self-reliant spirit to drive comprehensive development.

Moving forward, the city's political system must effectively implement several key tasks:

Firstly, all levels and sectors must adhere closely to the resolutions from the Party Congresses, particularly the 17th Party Congress of the city, focusing on five main tasks, three breakthrough stages, 20 targets, and 14 tasks and solutions, along with ten working programs from the Hanoi Party Committee. This will mobilize the collective strength of the entire political system and the people to resolve bottlenecks and achieve the highest targets set by the 17th Party Congress.

In addition, it is significant to build a clean, strong Party and political system that exemplifies leadership, particularly focusing on developing a capable workforce that meets new challenges, ensuring that people are the central focus of all development strategies.

Secondly, the city should focus on effectively bringing the amended Capital Law into practice to resolve bottlenecks and release resources for new development momentum. Expedite key projects, particularly the construction of Ring Road 4, and prepare for future projects as outlined in urban planning.

It is also important to recognize Hanoi as the cultural center of the nation and work towards preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting cultural industry and economic initiatives, such as nighttime and green economies.

Thirdly, Hanoi should concentrate on preparing and organizing successful local Party congresses leading up to the 18th Congress of the municipal Party Committee, ensuring quality documentation and personnel preparation.

Fourthly, a key priority is to direct efforts to mitigate the impacts of recent storms and floods, implementing economic solutions to support the recovery of affected communities and ensuring that social welfare is maintained.

Fifthly, the authorities are expected to organize meaningful activities to commemorate this milestone, fostering national pride and a sense of aspiration among the people of Hanoi.

Over 70 years, Hanoi has witnessed a glorious history that instills pride and love for the city. This history also reminds each person to live up to the capital. With increased responsibility and creativity in everyday roles, we can build a "Cultural - Civilized - Modern" Hanoi, akin to the capitals of developed countries, truly being the heart of the nation and a friendly destination for all.

Ngoc Mai