Vietnam's Local Governance Revitalized: Youth Spearhead Regional Development as Non-Specialist Cadres

In Vietnam's northern Thai Nguyen province, a significant shift is underway as young individuals are increasingly stepping into non-specialist cadre positions within local administration, driving regional revitalization efforts. In the wake of administrative re-organizations that have broadened and complicated local governance, young people are responding with their energy and innovative approaches. In Na Tu village, Cam Giang commune, Thai Nguyen province, Trieu Van Nam, born in 1989, faces challenges such as an aging local population and the outward migration of youth seeking work elsewhere. Despite these hurdles, Nam serves as the Party Branch Secretary and Village Head, dedicated to his community. He emphasizes collaboration with residents and fosters local pride and responsibility through activities like cleaning memorial sites. Following the administrative re-organization, Cam Giang commune now comprises 15 villages, with ten village heads born after 1982. The emergence of multiple female village heads, previously rare, signifies a notable change. These young leaders, though relatively inexperienced, are contributing to the improved efficiency of village operations through their knowledge, sense of responsibility, and enthusiasm, according to Commune Chairman Nguyen Van Hoi. The trend of rejuvenation extends to Party Branch Secretary positions, with many young Party members possessing intermediate to university-level professional knowledge taking on these roles. They are actively embracing and fulfilling their assigned duties. Across Thai Nguyen province, the re-organization has resulted in 1,403 villages and residential groups, a reduction of 1,742 units. This streamlining has optimized the deployment of non-specialist cadres, with approximately 4,200 individuals now engaged in these activities. The province has also provided training in digital transformation, administrative reform, and online public services to over 6,600 cadres and community participants. In Yen Lac village, Na Ri commune, village head Nguyen Duc Thinh, born in 1992, manages the diverse needs of over 500 households. He utilizes IT for efficient information dissemination and engages in detailed dialogues with individual residents to address local issues. These young cadres are modernizing community management by leveraging their professional knowledge, IT skills, and commitment to the community. Their spirit of "together with the people, for the people" is injecting new vitality into local society. Source: Nhan Dan