On April 17, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Steering Committee for External Relations Information, along with the Party Central Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization, solemnly organized the Launching Ceremony of the 12th National Award for External Relations Information.

Mr. Pham Tat Thang—Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Party Central Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization, and Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for External Relations Information—attended and performed the launching ceremony ritual alongside leaders from various central ministries and sectors.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Tat Thang affirmed that after 11 successful years, the Award has become a prestigious annual national event. It serves as a limitless creative space that gathers the proactive and practical contributions of domestic citizens, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends toward the cause of national construction and development.

In the context of deep international integration, external relations information in general, and the 12th National Award for External Relations Information in particular, must be further elevated. The quality and efficiency of these efforts must be constantly improved to directly implement the foreign policy of the 14th National Party Congress and Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo on international integration, with a focus on serving national development in the new era.

External relations information today should not only stop at "telling the story of Vietnam" but must transform into "inspiring an innovative Vietnam," reflecting the country's historical stature and position.

To achieve this goal, the 12th Award sets out three breakthrough requirements:

+ Mastering Technology: Encouraging the participation of youth, KOLs, and those who master digital technology and artificial intelligence to present the image of Vietnam to the world in a modern and persuasive manner.

+ In-depth Value: Works must convey the mindset, stature, and development aspirations of the nation in the spirit of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

+ Diffusion and Integration: Mobilizing broader participation from entrepreneurs and the business community—who are spreading the brand and value of Vietnamese products globally—as well as the overseas Vietnamese community and international friends who love Vietnam.

The 12th National Award for External Relations Information will consider entries across 8 categories:

1. Vietnamese Newspaper/Magazine

2. Foreign Language Newspaper/Magazine

3. Radio

4. Television

5. Books

6. Photography

7. Digital - Multimedia Products

8. Initiatives and products with external information value

Award Structure and Submission Guidelines:

+ Prizes: Each category includes 1 First Prize, 2 Second Prizes, 3 Third Prizes, and 5 Consolation Prizes.

+ Special Support: The Photography category will receive additional artistic sponsorship and medals from the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, with scores counted at the regional level according to the Association's regulations.

+ Eligibility: The Award is open to all individuals and collectives, both domestic and foreign.

+ Validity Period: Works must be published, broadcast, or announced between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. For works published before or after this period, at least 2/3 of the content or volume must have been released within the specified timeframe.

+ Deadline: The final deadline for receiving entries is August 5, 2026.

How to Enter:

* Official Website: Detailed rules are posted at https://giaithuong.ttdn.vn.

* Submission: The Organizing Committee receives entries online via the website.

* Book Category: If a digital version is unavailable, hard copies can be sent to: Party Central Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilization (Department of Information and External Affairs), 6C Hoang Dieu, Ba Đình, Hanoi.

The Organizing Committee expects that the 12th National Award for External Relations Information will continue to be a solid and effective bridge between Vietnam and the world. This will contribute substantively to promoting the image of the country, its people, and its development achievements, while spreading the world's positive values to Vietnam.