On April 24, the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs held a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the traditional day of state management agencies in ethnic affairs (May 3, 1946 – May 3, 2026) and received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister.

The celebration was even more meaningful as it took place following the successful elections of People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2026–2031 term and deputies to the 14th National Assembly, while the entire Party, people and armed forces are moving toward the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth.

Attending the event were Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Hai Trung; Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Tran The Cuong; Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan; representatives of the city's departments and agencies; and reputable individuals among ethnic minority communities in the Capital.

In the commemorative speech, Director of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Sy Truong reviewed the development journey from the former Religious Affairs Committee and Ethnic Affairs Committee of Ha Tay Province to the establishment of the Hanoi Ethnic Affairs Committee in 2008.

Notably, the milestone of March 1, 2025, when the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was formed through the merger of two sectors, created a new turning point in state management.

Looking back on the 80-year journey, Truong emphasized that under the leadership of the Party and the State, ethnic affairs have been continuously strengthened and developed.

Ethnic minority communities in the capital have consistently followed the Party, sharing hardships in the struggle for national liberation, reunification and in the current process of building socialism and reform.

Affirming the practical achievements, he stated that, as it enters a new stage of development, with proactive advisory work in state management, the city has given special attention to and prioritized significant resources for ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

The director noted that these areas in Hanoi have seen positive and comprehensive changes.

Socio-economic infrastructure has continued to improve, people's material and spiritual lives have been enhanced, cultural identities have been preserved and promoted and rural landscapes in ethnic minority areas have become increasingly vibrant.

National defense, security and social order have been maintained and trust in the Party and the State has continued to grow.

With proactive advisory efforts in state management of ethnic affairs, the city has allocated significant resources for development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

In the 2021–2025 period alone, total funding for the national target program on socio-economic development in these areas exceeded VND2.6 trillion ($98.6 million), reaching 162% of the plan.

As a result, living standards have improved steadily. Average per capita income has reached VND75 million ($2,845) per year, with some communes exceeding VND80 million ($3,035) per year. By 2024, there were no poor households in ethnic minority areas, and 100% of communes met new rural standards.

Speaking at the ceremony, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan, on behalf of city leaders, extended congratulations to generations of officials in the ethnic affairs sector and affirmed that ethnic and religious work has made meaningful contributions to the capital's development.

He highlighted that Hanoi is entering a new development era with notable achievements in 2025, including GRDP growth of 8.16% and leading the country's budget revenue.

Hanoi currently has no poor households and urban appearance, transport infrastructure and service quality for residents and businesses have improved significantly.

In particular, the Politburo's issuance of Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW on building and developing Hanoi in the new era is highly significant, providing a stronger political foundation and strategic direction for faster and more sustainable development.

Tuan acknowledged and highly valued the advisory role of the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, as well as the efforts of officials working in ethnic and religious affairs from the city to the grassroots levels.

"In the context of a new organizational structure, broader management scope and higher task requirements, you have quickly stabilized operations, actively engaged in work, closely followed local conditions, coordinated with departments and localities and advised the city on important matters, contributing to maintaining political and social stability and promoting development," he emphasized.

The Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee requested the department, along with relevant agencies and localities, to focus on key tasks.

First, agencies must continue to fully grasp and effectively implement Party guidelines and State policies and laws on ethnic and religious affairs, translating them into practical, feasible and focused city programs and plans.

Second, ethnic and religious work must be integrated into the overall strategy for rapid and sustainable development of the capital, closely linked to improving people's quality of life and ensuring social welfare, including implementing a project to preserve and promote ethnic minority cultural identities associated with tourism development in Hanoi for the 2025–2030 period.

He also emphasized strengthening the great national unity bloc, noting that effective ethnic and religious work contributes to social stability and consensus for Hanoi's new development phase.

Third, agencies must continue improving the lives of ethnic minority communities, especially in mountainous and disadvantaged areas, with attention to essential infrastructure, education, healthcare, culture, sustainable livelihoods and digital transformation, while effectively implementing the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas for the 2026–2035 period.

He also called for strengthening the role of reputable individuals as trusted bridges between authorities and communities.

Fourth, agencies must effectively manage religious and belief activities with respect, legal compliance, responsibility and proactive monitoring, ensuring early detection and resolution of emerging issues while facilitating stable operations of religious organizations and their contributions to cultural life, ethics, social welfare and community development.

Fifth, agencies must prioritize building a capable workforce in ethnic and religious affairs at both city and grassroots levels.

Officials must demonstrate political integrity, knowledge, communication skills, accountability, modern management thinking and close connection with the people.

Sixth, agencies must promote administrative reform, digital transformation, data standardization and coordination between city and local levels to build a service-oriented, modern, transparent and efficient administration.

Tuan expressed confidence that, with its strong tradition and the dedication of officials, ethnic and religious work in the capital will continue to achieve positive progress and contribute meaningfully to building a fast-growing, sustainable, cultured and modern Hanoi. These achievements not only enrich the capital's identity but also help create a stable, humane and unified social environment for continued development.

At the ceremony, the organizing committee announced the Prime Minister's decision and presented the Certificate of Merit to the Hanoi Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

On this occasion, 10 collectives and 25 individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, while 6 collectives and 14 individuals were awarded Certificates of Merit from the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee for outstanding achievements in ethnic affairs during the 2021–2025 period.