Hanoi: The 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for the 2026-2031 term opened in Hanoi on May 12, with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in attendance, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the gathering drew former and incumbent Party, State, Government and National Assembly (NA) leaders, senior ministry officials, war veterans, heroic Vietnamese mothers, and 1,136 delegates representing the VFF's chapters, intellectuals, ethnic and religious groups, the army, and overseas Vietnamese.
In her opening speech, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Committee of the VFF and Central Mass Organisations, and President of the 10th-tenure VFF Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai stated that during the 2024-2026 term, the VFF system continually overhauled its operations under Party leadership, with State, Government, and NA coordination and public consensus. The VFF cemented its role as the nucleus of national unity, engaging in Party and administration building, sharpening oversight and social criticism, and protecting citizens' legitimate rights and interests.
The VFF also played a proactive role in shaping mechanisms and policies, notably through constitutional amendment resolution and the election of deputies to the 16th NA and all-level People's Councils for 2026-2031. It conducted patriotic emulation campaigns and provided timely support to disaster-hit communities, especially the poor and vulnerable groups, embodying the Party's 'no one left behind' policy.
The congress convenes as Vietnam enters a new phase with major opportunities and challenges. It aims to build a prosperous, civilised, and happy country with an independent, self-reliant economy deeply integrated globally. It is described as the VFF's first congress under a new organisational model.
The congress is tasked with assessing the state of social groups and the great national unity bloc, reviewing the 10th-tenure VFF Central Committee's action plan for 2024-2026, and setting the directions, goals, and action plan for 2026-2031. It will also amend and supplement the VFF Charter and appoint the VFF Central Committee, Presidium, Standing Board, and leadership for the new term.
The congress called on Vietnamese people at home and abroad to summon patriotism, the power of national unity, and self-reliance. It aims to rally around the goal of 'a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, justice, and civilisation' and urges collective efforts to build the nation and pursue the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for 2021-2030.
Specific targets set by the congress require the VFF Central Committee and its member chapters to each launch at least one emulation movement aligned with the 14th National Party Congress's Resolution. VFF committees at all levels are expected to raise over 50 trillion VND (1.92 billion USD) for social welfare and community support.
All provincial-level VFF committees must pilot at least one community welfare model, while every commune-level VFF committee nationwide must establish at least one. The congress aims for all VFF officials and socio-political and mass organisations assigned tasks by the Party and State to be trained in Front affairs and digital skills by the end of the term.
The congress also mandated that all VFF committees, socio-political organisations, and member bodies deploy a 'Digital Front Portal' capable of receiving petitions and feedback around the clock. All communes and wards are encouraged to set up social media platforms to interact directly with citizens and collect public input.
The congress identified three breakthrough directions and seven action plans. The plans focus on reinforcing communications, public mobilisation, and social consensus to harness the strength of national unity; representing and protecting citizens' legitimate rights and interests; raising the quality and impact of supervision and social criticism; and promoting democracy.
Other action plans encourage people to compete in learning, labour, and innovation, contributing to socio-economic development, preserving national cultural traditions, and improving livelihoods. Delegates also highlighted engagement in sci-tech development, innovation, and building a digital society, alongside digital transformation within the VFF system.
Further priorities include upholding the people's role in building united, safe, prosperous, and happy residential areas; advancing people-to-people diplomacy and international cooperation; and overhauling operational content and methods, streamlining the organisational apparatus, improving efficiency, and enhancing officials' capabilities to meet new demands.