The 11th International Forum on Socialism held in Vientiane, Laos
On November 8, 2024, the "11th International Forum on Socialism," sponsored by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, was successfully held in Vientiane, Laos. The theme of this forum was "Marxism in the 21st Century." Nearly one hundred experts, scholars, government officials, and diplomatic envoys from countries including China, Vietnam, and Laos conducted heated and productive discussions and exchanges centered on three topics: "The Theory of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development," "The Practice of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development," and "Socialist Cooperation for Achieving Harmony and Sustainable Development."
Phonthaviphone Inthavong, Deputy Director of the General Office of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presided over the opening ceremony of the forum.
Khoukeo Saysomsane, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President and Party Secretary of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his opening remarks that while the current international situation is characterized by intertwined changes and chaos, and the changes unseen in a century [1] are accelerating, Laos, China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba continue to adhere to the socialist direction in developing their social economies. They remain firm in the belief that the socialist system is a superior and ideal social system. He emphasized that the discussions surrounding "Marxism in the 21st Century" at this forum are of great significance for these five countries in determining Party policies and socio-economic development.
Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in his address that Marxism is a constantly developing and open theory; only through localization can it take root, and only through adaptation to the times can it be filled with vitality. Under the arduous exploration and joint efforts of Marxist ruling parties in socialist countries, Marxism in the 21st century is continuously opening new frontiers, manifesting new atmospheres, and increasingly radiating new vigor. As the world's changes unseen in a century accelerate, humanity once again stands at a crossroads of history. It is the common responsibility of Marxist ruling parties in socialist countries to continue promoting the Sinicization and adaptation of Marxism to the times, illuminating the path forward for humanity with the light of truth.
Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech that we have witnessed significant theoretical and practical progress in the three socialist countries of China, Laos, and Vietnam, especially in the great achievements made in economic development, resolving social development issues, and improving the material and spiritual living conditions of the people. These achievements clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and power of Marxism in the 21st century; it is not only a stable system of thought but also one capable of rapid adaptation and innovative development within a rapidly changing global context.
Thamalay Chanthamoungkhoun, Deputy Director of the Institute of History and Archaeology at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in his keynote speech titled "The Application of Marxist Theory in the Lao People's Democratic Republic" that by combining Marxist theory with the specific national conditions of Laos, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party not only achieved revolutionary victory but also secured many great achievements in national construction.
Tran Tuan Phong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech "Several Reflections on Socialism and Sustainable Development in Vietnam" that the Communist Party of Vietnam has creatively applied scientific socialist thought to Vietnam's specific development practices. By remaining people-centered and taking people's happiness as the highest goal, the Party has combined economic and social development while simultaneously perfecting sustainable development systems across economic, political, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.
Researcher Wang Zhongbao of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies stated in his speech "On Marxism and Sustainable Development" that the ideas of circular and thrifty economy, theories of moderate population, theory of comprehensive and coordinated development, and theories of moderate and green consumption contained within Marxism—as the spiritual wealth of humanity—are the scientific theories guiding sustainable socio-economic development.
Daovong Sigmavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Science at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his speech "Applying Marxist Theory to Develop a Harmonious and Sustainable Political System in the Lao People's Democratic Republic" that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party develops its political system in an innovative manner and applies Marxism-Leninism in its development to coordinate sustainable growth. The Party understands that "Marxism" is not a dogma but a guide to action, and it has improved and changed its leadership programs to adapt to the changes of the times in Lao society.
Professor Liu Haolin of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University pointed out in his speech "Common Prosperity in the Context of Chinese-path Modernization" that common prosperity in this context represents the coordinated development of all fields and dimensions. Its understanding and evaluation should be based on objective and rational standards and a scientific index system. The methodology for achieving common prosperity is manifested in the unity of the "two-point theory" and the "priority theory" [2].
Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Religious Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in her speech "Harmonious and Sustainable Socialism: The Case of the Vietnamese Model" that Vietnam has achieved many successes and gained development experience in its journey of building socialism. Facing many challenges in the new situation, finding a development path that achieves socialist goals while remaining compatible with global goals like sustainable and harmonious development is a question that requires reflection at the theoretical, practical, and even the levels of logic and history.
Associate Researcher Yang Binbin of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies stated in his speech "Profoundly Grasping the Original Contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture through the 'Second Combination'" [3] that Xi Jinping Thought on Culture is a precious achievement that integrates the essence of Marxist thought with the finest of traditional Chinese culture and the common values that the people "use daily without realizing" [4]. It is a highly condensed summary of the historical experience of cultural construction led by the CPC during the process of revolution, construction, and reform, and a profound revelation of the laws of socialist cultural construction with Chinese characteristics, especially since the New Era.
Vilaivanh Phommachanh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Policy Research at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his speech that the main content of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party's application of Marxist theory is to perfect the construction of the people's democratic system and create all conditions for the development of socialism, foremost among which is the transition of agricultural production to collectivism and industrialization.
Vu Thi Thu Ha of the Institute of Religious Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences pointed out in her speech "The Participation of Vietnam's Religious Resources in Constructing a Harmonious and Sustainable Society" that from the perspective of religious studies and sociology, Vietnam's religious circles possess vast resources and have made active contributions to the cause of building a harmonious and sustainable society across economic, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.
Professor Tang Ming of the School of Politics and International Relations at Central China Normal University noted in his speech "Characteristics and Advantages of Grassroots Democracy with Chinese Characteristics" that grassroots democracy is the most extensive practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Its characteristics and advantages are manifested in: first, adhering to the leadership of the CPC; second, ensuring the people are masters of the country; third, emphasizing consultation; fourth, adhering to whole-process people's democracy; and fifth, being extensive, full, authentic, concrete, and effective.
Vansay Sayavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Macroeconomic Research at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his speech "Economic Development and Social Fairness in Laos" that due to the needs of socio-economic development and a lack of capital, Laos shifted to using a market economy mechanism with a socialist orientation to manage the economy. Through the liberalization of foreign trade and investment, it has achieved sustained economic growth, with average per capita national income increasing nearly tenfold and the poverty rate gradually declining.
Professor Xue Xinguo of the School of Marxism at Xihua University stated in his speech "Historical Experience and World Significance of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" that the revival of world socialism requires not only the spiritual weapon of innovative development in socialist theory but also the support of material forces—namely, the development of the socialist movement.
Nguyen Duc Chuyen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech that mobilizing resources for social policy implementation helps Vietnam utilize both domestic and international actors to ensure social security for the people, while promoting the precious tradition of the Vietnamese people standing united and contributing with one heart to national development.
Associate Researcher Xia Yipu of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies pointed out in her speech "Whole-Process People's Democracy: Institutional Innovation of Chinese-path Modernization" that whole-process people's democracy is an important component of adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is a thorough elucidation of the general trend of democratic development in human history, marking a new height in the CPC's understanding of the laws of the development of political civilization.
Keomany Inthavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in her speech "The Socialist Direction of Sustainable Social Development" that sustainable social development with a socialist orientation constitutes the path, policy, focus, and goal of the Lao Party and government to address people's livelihoods and lead the country out of its current economic backwardness.
Phi Vinh Tuong, Acting Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech that to achieve the goals of a prosperous people, a strong country, democracy, fairness, and civilization, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation across economic, political, and cultural spheres—especially in science and technology—to gradually learn and improve capacity.
Xu Qinfa of the School of Marxism at Guangxi University noted in his speech "The Logic of Promoting the Construction of China–Laos and China–Vietnam Communities with a Shared Future through Inter-party Exchanges" that guided by common values, the political parties of China, Laos, and Vietnam can effectively resolve differences through inter-party exchanges. This not only plays a role in "holding the flag and setting the direction" for state relations but also serves as an important driver for the development of world socialism.
Saisomphone Havannala, Deputy Director of the Institute of Culture at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in his speech "Cooperative Development of a Harmonious and Sustainable Culture" that culture consists of the material and spiritual values created by humans throughout various historical periods; the cooperative development of such a culture is essential for national development.
Researcher He Qin of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies noted in his speech "National Characteristics and Common Features of Socialist Modernization" that strengthening research into these characteristics helps us profoundly understand the historical laws of socialist modernization. On the new journey of promoting world socialism, it enables us to strengthen historical confidence, enhance historical consciousness, and maintain historical initiative.
He Qin, from the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), delivered a plenary speech.
Chansamone Vongphasy, Vice Director of the Institute of Enterprise Development at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivered a plenary speech titled "Economic Cooperation Based on Socialism to Promote Sustainable Development: A Perspective from the Lao People's Democratic Republic." He pointed out that to build a wealthy and strong nation in the current era, it is essential to understand how to establish a reasonable economic structure, which includes opening up to the outside world and fostering economic cooperation. Through these means, the country can utilize world-class financial resources, technology, and management, integrating Laos into the international community and thereby narrowing the gap between Laos and the developing nations of the world.
Chansamone Vongphasy, Vice Director of the Institute of Enterprise Development at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivered a plenary speech.
Chen Yongsheng, Associate Research Fellow at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered a plenary speech titled "Vigorously Developing New Quality Productive Forces to Promote Harmony and Sustainable Development of the Economy, Society, and People." He noted that new quality productive forces use innovative methods to break away from traditional economic growth models and traditional paths for developing productive forces, thereby achieving high-quality development. By transforming modes of production and forming compatible new-type relations of production, new quality productive forces facilitate the harmonious development of society. Furthermore, through new models of talent cultivation, they create "new quality laborers," realizing the free and well-rounded development [5] of the individual.
Chen Yongsheng of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies delivered a plenary speech.
The participating scholars spoke highly of the fruitful results achieved at this forum. They reached a consensus that strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among the theoretical circles of socialist countries holds significant theoretical and practical importance for advancing modernization in socialist nations. Kongkeo Saysongkham, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President and Party Secretary of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences; Chen Zhigang, Vice Director of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; and Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, delivered concluding remarks for the forum and participated in a tripartite exchange of gifts.
The Chinese and Lao parties exchanged gifts.
The Chinese and Vietnamese parties exchanged gifts.
The Vietnamese and Lao parties exchanged gifts.