On the afternoon of September 24, the Provincial Party Committee, Provincial People’s Council, PPC and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dak Lak Province held a meeting to honour outstanding village elders as well as respected community figures in 2026.

The conference brought together provincial leaders along with former provincial leaders, representatives from departments, sectors and localities, together with 220 village elders and respected community figures representing 1,069 such individuals province-wide.

Members of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Board presenting Certificates of Merit from the PPC to outstanding collectives.

At the conference, delegates heard presentations alongside shared experiences from village elders, respected community figures and outstanding collectives, gaining further insight into effective approaches, practical experience combined with contributions to mobilising ethnic minority communities to develop the economy, reduce poverty, preserve cultural identity, build a new way of life and strengthen great national unity.

Addressing the conference, Provincial Party Secretary, comrade Luong Nguyen Minh Triet acknowledged, commended as well as expressed his sincere appreciation for the quiet yet immense contributions made by village elders and respected community figures across the province. One year into the two-tier local government system implementation, he said, practical experience had demonstrated that the support coupled with engagement of respected community figures had served as a strong bond underpinning stability at the grassroots level.

Provincial Party Secretary, comrade Luong Nguyen Minh Triet called on village elders and respected community figures to continue serving as focal points for solidarity alongside sources of spiritual support within their communities; pass on traditional languages, scripts and cultural values to younger generations; encourage the elimination of outdated customs as well as promote a civilised way of life; stay attuned to residents’ thoughts and aspirations; coordinate efforts to maintain security together with public order; identify and counter misinformation, preventing bad actors from exploiting it to incite or sow division. Simultaneously, they should set an example in building the political system along with contribute opinions to Party committees and local authorities.

Members of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Board along with provincial leaders posing for a group photo with village elders and respected community figures from Dak Lak Province.

For Party committees, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and relevant agencies combined with localities, he directed that regular meetings, dialogues and consultations with village elders as well as respected community figures be held before policies are implemented locally. The PPC and relevant agencies must fully alongside promptly implement support policies, care for the material and spiritual well-being of respected community figures, and create favourable conditions for them to perform their roles effectively. Press together with media agencies should step up communications, highlight outstanding examples and promote effective models across villages coupled with hamlets.

On this occasion, the PPC presented Certificates of Merit to 11 collectives for outstanding achievements in socio-eco development and maintaining national defence along with security in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Translated by HAI LOAN