The successive and coordinated issuance of Politburo Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2026, on promoting the pioneering and exemplary role, innovative spirit, and willingness to think, act and take responsibility among cadres and Party members in the new era, and Secretariat Regulation No. 220-QD/TW dated September 30, 2026, on mechanisms for recognising, appropriately deploying and protecting officials who dare to innovate, think, act and take responsibility for the common good, has directly addressed urgent practical needs and established a solid legal foundation for cadres and Party members to confidently devote themselves to the country’s development as it advances steadily into a new era.
Viet Nam’s revolutionary history has demonstrated a vivid truth: without major breakthroughs in economic reform thinking, the country could not have achieved its current stature, potential, international standing and reputation.
At every turning point in the revolutionary process, the decisive factor has always been officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility — those willing to shoulder the burden of new, difficult and complex tasks for which there is no precedent. They view challenges not as obstacles but as a “forge” in which to temper their mettle and mature. This spirit of self-sacrifice for the common cause embodies profound patriotism, firm political resolve and pure revolutionary ethics.
In recent years, with a determination to face the truth squarely, the Party has resolutely implemented numerous measures to thoroughly address the “illness” of fear of making mistakes, passing the buck and shirking responsibility among some officials.
Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Trong Phuc, former Director of the Institute of Party History, shared his perspective: “Our generation had many young officials who dared to think, act and take responsibility. We did not regard this as anything unfamiliar, because it was essentially a vivid continuation and development of President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings on the pioneering and exemplary role of cadres and Party members. However, because they were young and dared to think and act, they sometimes had limitations and made mistakes due to a lack of life experience. This is precisely when they need timely encouragement and protection from their organisations.”
In recent years, with a determination to face the truth squarely, the Party has resolutely implemented numerous measures to thoroughly address the “illness” of fear of making mistakes, passing the buck and shirking responsibility among some officials.
Among these, Politburo Conclusion No. 14-KL/TW dated September 22, 2021, on the policy of encouraging and protecting dynamic and creative officials acting for the common good, initially ushered in a new spirit. As the nation enters an era of resurgence, the contributions of officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility are increasingly essential, making their recognition, appropriate deployment and protection necessary.
Resolution No. 24 elevates the policy of “encouragement” set out in Conclusion No. 14 to the establishment of “standards of conduct”. Just over a month later, the Secretariat issued Regulation No. 220, establishing mechanisms for recognising, appropriately deploying and protecting officials who dare to innovate, think, act and take responsibility for the common good.
This resolute, urgent and coordinated process of institutionalisation has promptly established a legal basis for localities, agencies and organisations to acknowledge and recognise talented and dedicated individuals and place them in positions suited to their abilities.
Regulation No. 220 has translated innovative initiatives into four clearly defined groups, ranging from breakthroughs in implementation to the establishment of a “controlled testing environment” for high-risk projects, helping overcome young officials’ reluctance and fear of making mistakes. Officials will be able to identify the scope of their authority and responsibilities, enabling them to confidently unleash their full creative potential.
Regulation No. 220 affirms the commitment to stand alongside and protect those who dare to take risks for the common good through a range of safeguards and institutional provisions. These include restoring the honour and reputation of officials who encounter risks due to objective causes, as well as specifying 12 prohibited acts. These measures clearly distinguish genuine dedication from abuses of power and attempts to exploit the pretext of “innovation” to seek personal gain or advance group interests.
If Resolution No. 24 is the flame that ignites the aspiration to contribute and the spirit of taking initiative, Regulation No. 220 is the standard operating framework that protects that flame against the “storms” of practical challenges. With these coordinated measures in place, officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility now have a clear and comprehensive legal guide, giving them the confidence to contribute their intellect and serve the Fatherland and the people.
