National Press Festival 2026 opens in Hai Phong city

Addressing the opening ceremony, Trinh Van Quyet, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of its Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilisation, highlighted the proud tradition of Viet Nam's revolutionary press, which has remained closely aligned with the Party’s cause and the nation’s struggle for national independence, protection and development over more than a century.

He noted that the country’s media sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, actively streamlining its organisational structure and accelerating digital transformation. Many press agencies have quickly stabilised operations following restructuring, adopted smarter and more efficient models and embraced modern technologies. As a result, a more professional, dynamic and modern press landscape is steadily taking shape.

According to Quyet, the festival’s theme reflects the pressing requirements of the times. Loyalty is the foundation, creativity is the path, and responsibility is the destination, he said, stressing that while digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), social media and cross-border platforms are reshaping global communications, the core mission and ideals of Viet Nam’s revolutionary journalism remain unchanged.

He called on journalists nationwide to stay close to reality, uphold the Party characteristic and people-centred orientation of the press, remain absolutely loyal to the Fatherland and the revolutionary cause, and continuously innovate and master new technologies.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of its Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet speaks at the opening ceremony of the National Press Festival 2026 on June 19. (Photo: NDO)

Press agencies, he added, must serve as strongholds in safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, countering false and hostile information, and effectively communicating the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and other strategic resolutions.

Vietnamese journalism should not only reflect social developments but also help guide them in a positive direction. Each journalistic work should inspire, educate and foster public consensus while encouraging innovation, aspiration and determination in pursuit of the nation’s development goals and vision of prosperity and happiness, he stressed.

Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of its Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilisation, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association speaks at the opening ceremony. (Photo: NDO)

Also speaking at the ceremony, Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of its Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilisation, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association, described the festival as a major event marking the 101st anniversary of Viet Nam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 2026).

He said the event offers a comprehensive and vivid panorama of the country’s press development, featuring 87 exhibition booths from journalists’ associations, local press organisations and journalism training and research institutions nationwide.

A key highlight is the central exhibition area, designed as a journey connecting tradition and the future. Through photographs, archival materials, artefacts and advanced presentation technologies, visitors can trace the development of Viet Nam's revolutionary press while gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities facing journalism in the new era.

The festival also hosts the National Journalism Forum with 11 in-depth discussion sessions covering media restructuring, the role of journalism in safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, media support for business development, and the application and governance of AI in Vietnamese newsrooms.

A wide range of accompanying activities, including a singing competition for journalists with participation from domestic and international media professionals from Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, visits to relic sites, and press awards, are expected to make the event an innovative, engaging and practical gathering for the journalism community.

Le Ngoc Chau, member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, highlighted the city’s socio-economic achievements and expressed his hope for continued support from media organisations and journalists in promoting public trust, social consensus and development aspirations. He affirmed the city’s commitment to facilitating media activities and ensuring timely access to information, contributing to Hai Phong’s sustainable development.