On the afternoon of January 14, 2023, the Veterans’ Association of National Economics University (NEU) held a conference to review its activities in 2024 and set out its tasks for 2025.

Attending the conference were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Chairman of the NEU Veterans’ Association; Prof. Dr. Hoang Ngoc Viet, former Vice President and former Chairman of the NEU Veterans’ Association; and all members of the NEU Veterans’ Association.

Addressing the conference on behalf of the University’s leadership, Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu offered guidance and congratulations and expressed gratitude to generations of veterans who sacrificed their youth and shed their blood in the resistance wars and in defense of the country. He also acknowledged the contributions of the University’s Veterans Association over the past year through activities to educate people about historical traditions, support families in difficult circumstances, and visit relatives of fallen soldiers, among others. In particular, he highlighted its recent coordination with the University to organize the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944–December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of All-People’s National Defense Day (December 22, 1989–December 22, 2024). Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu expressed his hope that, as the new year of 2025 began, the Veterans Association would build on its traditions and achievements and continue contributing to the University’s development in the new era—the era of the nation’s rise. He also wished all veterans and their families good health, happiness and success.

Presenting the report reviewing activities in 2024, Prof. Nguyen Quang Dong, President of the Association, outlined the context of the institution’s transition to a university under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1386/QĐ-TTg dated November 15, 2024, and preparations for Party congresses at all levels leading up to the National Party Congress in early 2026, among other developments. The entire Party and armed forces are currently actively studying and implementing activities and tasks in line with the vision of the new era—the era of the nation’s rise—requiring the Association to renew its activities to meet the demands of the times.

The Association’s review report highlighted that, with the support of the University’s leadership and the close attention and direct, effective guidance of Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, the Veterans Association performed its assigned tasks with distinction in 2024. In particular, it worked with the University to organize a highly successful celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944–December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of All-People’s National Defense Day (December 22, 1989–December 22, 2024). The event drew more than 300 veterans who were former lecturers, students, and staff of the University and had “set aside their studies and academic work to defend the homeland.”

In 2024, the NEU Veterans’ Association fully completed all 10 areas of work under the municipal Veterans’ Association’s 2024 Work Plan No. 156. In addition to the 80th-anniversary ceremony mentioned above, other notable activities included: (1) studying and thoroughly understanding the Directives and Resolutions of the Party Central Committee and Party committees at all levels; contributing to building Party organizations and government, implementing regulations on democracy, and strengthening the University; (2) coordinating closely with the University’s departments, the Youth Union, and the Office of Party and Mass Organizations, among others, to actively participate in building and protecting the Party, government, and socialist system; and (3) effectively organizing and reviewing the Exemplary Veterans movement. Specific activities included:

– Providing VND 54 million in assistance to 54 families of fallen soldiers;

– Providing more than VND 55 million to build and renovate the home of one wounded veteran in Dien Bien Phu;

– Working with the Veterans’ Associations of Group 487 to build one house of gratitude in Dien Bien Phu;

– Organized two highly meaningful trips to historical sites, with a combined attendance of nearly 50 members;

– Coordinated with the University, the Trade Union, the Youth Union, and other social organizations to visit and present gifts to wounded veterans at facilities in Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, and Ha Nam;

– Visited several families of the University’s veterans and several current and former University leaders who had supported the Veterans Association during its early days.

In recognition of the NEU Veterans’ Association’s achievements, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association and the Hanoi Veterans’ Association presented the following awards in 2024:

– Collective awards: one Certificate of Merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association and one Certificate of Merit from the Hanoi Veterans’ Association;

– Individual awards: one Certificate of Merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association and two Certificates of Merit from the Hanoi Veterans’ Association.

The University’s Veterans Association set out the following tasks for 2025:

– Begin implementing the City Veterans Association’s 10-point work plan (Plan No. 318/KH – CCB dated December 19, 2024) from the start of the year: study and discuss the Party’s new viewpoints; conduct a midterm review of the Veterans Association’s 2022-2027 term; and strengthen measures to implement Directive No. 05-CT/TW on promoting the study and practice of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality, and working style in conjunction with the “Exemplary Veterans” patriotic emulation movement and the “Good People, Good Deeds” movement.

– Carry out the work program assigned by the University and the President of NEU for 2025.

– Contribute to drafting reports for Party congresses at all levels.

– Effectively organize the campaign for the “Exemplary Veterans” Emulation Congress for the 2025–2029 period.

– Develop and implement a work program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

– Arrange support to rebuild one dilapidated house under the Government’s program.

Upholding the fine qualities and traditions of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association, the NEU Veterans’ Association has consistently preserved the cherished qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in teaching, scientific research, and service over the years. Many members have worked tirelessly to make intellectual contributions and become respected scientists, excellent teachers, successful entrepreneurs, and exemplary workers admired by generations of students and learners and recognized by society.

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.