VIETNAM’S VISION IN THE NEW ERA THROUGH GENERAL SECRETARY TO LAM’S SPEECH AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY

During his official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from October 28–30, General Secretary To Lam delivered a significant speech to scholars, students, and the international community at Oxford University – one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions. The event not only showcased Vietnam’s academic diplomacy stature but also conveyed a strategic message regarding the country’s development orientation, foreign policy mindset, and its role in the new international order.

The speech followed a logical structure centered on three main themes: assessing the context of global strategic competition, declaring the development path based on peace, self-reliance, and innovation, and affirming the role of the Vietnam-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a model for a new generation of cooperation. Through this, Vietnam asserted that it would not stand apart from the geo-economic flow but would proactively participate through knowledge, institutional reform, and equal cooperation.

A Changing World: Risks and Opportunities in Parallel

The General Secretary began by outlining the context of the new era, where traditional concepts of borders, sovereignty, and power are being challenged. Global competition is no longer confined to geopolitics but penetrates deep into core technology, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and data standards. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and strategic supply chains are becoming the “new barriers” that shape global rules.

The bloc and alliance mentality is also returning in modern forms through technology limitations, polarization of technical standards, targeted tariffs, or resource control. The new demarcation lines are no longer based on geography but lie within data, capital flows, and market access.

Furthermore, non-traditional security challenges such as food security, water scarcity, cyberattacks, epidemics, and extreme climate events are growing more complex, making it impossible for any nation to solve them alone. Therefore, the question of the new era is no longer “whose side are you on,” but “how to stand firm, independent, and self-reliant.”

The Vietnamese Path: Peace, Self-Reliance, and Innovative Development

The General Secretary emphasized a development philosophy rooted in the value of peace, for which Vietnam has paid a heavy price. The foreign policy direction prioritizes people, stability, and international law. Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” remains the guiding principle, advocating for non-confrontation, avoiding reliance on conflict, and resolving differences through dialogue.

The policy of multilateralization and diversification helps Vietnam expand its network of partners, avoid dependence, and create strategic leverage. Development is measured not only by GDP but also by quality public healthcare, good education, a healthy living environment, and equal opportunities.

Innovation – The Engine for Growth

According to the General Secretary, Vietnam can no longer rely on resources, cheap labor, or demographic advantages but must bet on digital transformation, green and circular economy, high technology, and innovation. This is a strategy to “leapfrog” amidst a reshaping geo-economic landscape.

Institutional reform is considered central to progress, ensuring healthy competition, efficient resource allocation, protection for the vulnerable, and social stability. In this, the private sector is a key driver, while the state-owned economy maintains a leading role in macroeconomic stability and safeguarding strategic interests.

100-Year Goal: The Nation’s Aspiration

Vietnam has set two development milestones: to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030; and to become a developed, high-income country, aspiring towards a civilized and compassionate society by 2045.

Knowledge Diplomacy: The Vietnam-UK Bridge

The Vietnam-UK relationship, since 1973, has grown through trade, investment, education, defense, and science and technology. Currently, over 10,000 Vietnamese students in the UK serve as “knowledge ambassadors.” Following Brexit, the UK’s participation in the CPTPP shows a desire for deeper engagement with the Asia-Pacific, where Vietnam is a vital bridge. The establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects a high level of trust and shared long-term interests.

A New Cooperation Model for the 21st Century

The General Secretary proposed four directions for substantive cooperation, including joint research in biomedicine, responsible AI, climate change, and clean energy; expert exchange between research institutes to translate recommendations into practice; support for innovative startups serving digital and green transition; and piloting sustainable urban models with green finance, open education, digital health, and public healthcare. He stated that this is not merely technology transfer but co-creation.

The Power of Moral Principle and Vietnam’s Soft Power

The philosophy of “using righteousness to overcome brutality,” forged by a history of fighting foreign aggression, helps Vietnam become a trustworthy partner. Vietnam places its trust in peace, the people’s will, and international prestige.

No Trade-off on Environment and Culture

Vietnam does not pursue a development model at all costs, sacrificing the environment and heritage. The state advocates for green growth, ecological balance, and cultural preservation, considering human happiness and dignity as the ultimate goals.

International Responsibility

Vietnam supports an international order based on international law, freedom of navigation, and fair trade, opposing imposition, threat, and bloc confrontation. Vietnam believes that multilateral cooperation creates shared benefits and strengthens trust.

The Youth – Future Owners

The message at Oxford was aimed at students—those who will shape policy, technological ethics, and the digital economic structure. Vietnam is committed to being a sincere friend, sharing global responsibility.

“This Earth is Ours”

In a polarized world, Vietnam calls for unity, equal cooperation, and leaving no one behind. This is the strategic mindset of a nation rising through peace.

Oxford – A Symbol of Knowledge Intersection

Choosing Oxford demonstrates the spirit of connecting knowledge and policy, theory and practice. The General Secretary expressed a desire to form a Vietnam-UK knowledge network spanning across academic centers.

Future Prospects

If implemented correctly, Vietnam can become an R&D hub of Southeast Asia, develop a tech startup ecosystem, and shape the region’s green and smart urban model. This is a feasible roadmap, not vague ambition.

Open Aspiration and Shared Responsibility

The Oxford speech is a declaration of Vietnam’s long-term vision, national strategy, and development philosophy. Vietnam chooses the path of peace, knowledge, innovation, and international responsibility; it believes that self-reliance, cooperation, and creativity are the keys to overcoming uncertainty.

From Oxford to the Future

If the Vietnam-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is realized in high-tech, responsible AI, green finance, and high-quality human resource training, Vietnam will ascend to a new level in the global value chain. This could become a model cooperation story of the 21st century, based on equality, innovation, and mutual benefit.

General Secretary To Lam’s speech is not merely an invitation to cooperate but also a declaration of national vision and aspiration. In a context of global fragmentation, Vietnam advocates for connection, upholding righteousness, respecting international law, open technology development, and placing people at the center. This is the foundation upon which Vietnam confidently moves towards the 2030–2045 goal of becoming a developed, prosperous, green, and humane nation.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between several Vietnamese research, aviation, and educational institutions with Oxford in the fields of healthcare innovation, Net Zero Carbon, and scholarships.

Source: baotintuc, vnexpress, and gathered from the internet.