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 diplomats from countries including China, Vietnam, and Laos engaged in warm and productive discussions and exchanges centered on three topics: "Theory of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development," "Practice of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development," and "Socialist Cooperation for Achieving Harmony and Sustainable Development."
The opening ceremony was presided over by Phom Veibounyen, Deputy Director of the General Office of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences.
Kinkeo Saysongkham, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his opening remarks that while the current international situation is characterized by intertwined chaos and change, 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 their socio-economic development. He expressed a firm belief that the socialist system is superior and represents an ideal social system. He emphasized that the exchange and discussion regarding "Marxism in the 21st Century" at this forum are of great significance for these five countries in determining their Party policies and socio-economic development.
Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, pointed out in his speech that Marxism is a constantly developing and open theory; it can only take root through localization, and only by advancing with the times can it remain full of vitality. Under the arduous exploration and joint efforts of Marxist ruling parties in socialist countries, 21st-century Marxism has continuously opened new frontiers and taken on a new look, radiating fresh vigor day by day. As the world's changes unseen in a century accelerate, humanity once again stands at a crossroads of history. It is the shared responsibility of Marxist ruling parties in socialist countries to continue promoting the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, illuminating the forward path of humanity with the light of truth.
Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted that we have witnessed significant theoretical and practical progress in China, Laos, and Vietnam—three socialist countries—especially reflected 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 is also capable of rapid adaptation and innovation within a fast-changing global context.
Thamalay Chanthamuongkhoun, Deputy Director of the Institute of History and Archaeology at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in an address 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 attained many great achievements in national construction.
Tran Tuan Phong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in his address titled "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 the happiness of the people as the highest objective, the Party has integrated economic development with social development, simultaneously improving sustainable development systems across economic, political, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.
Wang Zhongbao, a researcher at the Institute of Marxism Studies of CASS, noted in his address "On Marxism and Sustainable Development" that as part of the spiritual wealth of humanity, the ideas of circular and thrifty economy, the theory of moderate population, the theory of comprehensive and coordinated development, and the theories of moderate and green consumption contained within Marxism are scientific theories that guide sustainable socio-economic development.
Daovong Sichanthavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Science at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in his address "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 to coordinate sustainable development. The Party understands that "Marxism" is not a dogma but a guide to action, and it has improved and changed its leadership plans to adapt to the changes of the era in Lao society.
Professor Liu Haolin from the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University noted in his address "Common Prosperity in the Context of Chinese-path Modernization" that common prosperity under Chinese-path modernization is a collaborative development across 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 as 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, pointed out in her address "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 under the new situation, finding a development path that achieves socialist goals while adapting to global targets such as sustainable and harmonious development is a question that requires reflection across theoretical, practical, logical, and historical levels.
Yang Binbin, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Marxism Studies of CASS, noted in his address "Deeply Grasping the Original Contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture through the 'Second Integration'" that Xi Jinping Thought on Culture is a precious achievement that connects the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture and integrates them with the common values that the masses "use daily without realizing it" [3]. It is a highly condensed summary of the historical experience of cultural construction led by the CPC during the processes of revolution, construction, and reform, and serves as a profound revelation of the laws of socialist cultural construction with Chinese characteristics, particularly in the New Era.
Philaivanh Phommachanh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Policy at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, pointed out in his address that the main content of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party’s use of Marxist theory to develop socialism involves: improving the construction of the people's democratic system and creating all conditions for socialist development, the foremost of which is the transition of agricultural production toward collectivization and industrialization.
Vu Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Director of the Institute of Religious Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in her address "The Participation of Vietnamese Religious Resources in Constructing a Harmonious and Sustainable Society" that from the perspectives of religious studies and sociology, Vietnam's religious community possesses immense resources and has made active contributions to the cause of building a harmonious and sustainable society across economic, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.
Professor Tang Ming from the School of Politics and International Relations at Central China Normal University stated in his address "Characteristics and Advantages of Primary-level Democracy with Chinese Characteristics" that primary-level democracy is the most extensive practice of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics. Its prominent features and obvious advantages include: first, adhering to the leadership of the Communist Party of China; second, ensuring the people are masters of the country; third, emphasizing consultation; fourth, adhering to whole-process people's democracy; and fifth, being broad and sufficient, real and concrete, and effective and useful.
Vansay Sayavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Macroeconomics at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his address that due to the needs of socio-economic development and a lack of capital, Laos shifted toward using a market economy mechanism with a socialist direction to manage the economy. Through the liberalization of foreign trade and investment, it achieved sustained economic growth, with average per capita national income increasing nearly tenfold and the poverty rate gradually declining.
Professor Xue Xinguo from the School of Marxism at Xihua University pointed out in his address "Historical Experience and World Significance of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" that the revival of world socialism requires not only the spiritual weapon of the innovative development of socialist theory but also the support of material forces—namely, the development of the socialist movement.
Nguyen Duc Chinh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, stated in his address that mobilizing resources for the implementation of social policy helps Vietnam utilize both domestic and international actors, ensuring social security for the people and carrying forward the precious tradition of the Vietnamese people always standing in unity and contributing with one heart toward national development.
Xia Yipu, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Marxism Studies of CASS, noted in her address "Whole-Process People's Democracy: Institutional Innovation of Chinese-path Modernization" that whole-process people's democracy is an essential component of upholding 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 political civilization, and constitutes a major contribution by the CPC to human political civilization.
Keomani Inthavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in her address "The Socialist Direction of Sustainable Social Development" that sustainable social development within a socialist direction represents the path, policy, focus, and goal of the Lao Party and government to resolve the 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 address 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 fields—especially in science and technology—to gradually learn and improve capabilities.
Xu Qinfa from the School of Marxism at Guangxi University pointed out in his address that guided by shared values, political parties in 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-to-state relations but also serves as an important driving force for the development of world socialism.
Saysomphone Havannala, Deputy Director of the Institute of Culture at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in his address "Cooperation for Developing a Harmonious and Sustainable Culture" that culture consists of the material and spiritual values created by humanity throughout various historical periods of social birth and growth. Cooperation for the development of a harmonious and sustainable culture is both important and necessary for the development of the nation.
He Qin, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), pointed out in his keynote speech, "The National Characteristics and Common Features of Socialist Modernization," that strengthening the research and investigation of the unique national characteristics and shared features of socialist modernization helps us profoundly understand the historical laws of socialist modernization. He noted that on the new journey of promoting the development of world socialism, we must maintain historical confidence, enhance historical consciousness, and grasp historical initiative [4] to continue writing new chapters in the history of socialist modernization.
Chansamay Vongphaxy, Deputy Director of the Enterprise Development Institute at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES), stated in his keynote speech, "Economic Cooperation Based on Socialism to Promote Sustainable Development: A Perspective from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic," that to build a strong and prosperous nation in the contemporary era, it is essential to understand how to establish a rational economic structure. This includes opening up to the outside world and fostering economic cooperation as a means to utilize advanced global financial resources, technology, and management. This approach integrates Laos into international life, thereby narrowing the gap between Laos and other developing countries in the world.
Chen Yongsheng, an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his keynote speech, "Vigorously Developing New Quality Productive Forces to Promote Harmonic and Sustainable Development of Economy, Society, and Man," that new quality productive forces utilize innovative methods to break away from traditional economic growth models and development paths for productive forces, thereby achieving high-quality development. Furthermore, new quality productive forces realize harmonic social development by transforming the mode of production and forming new-type relations of production [5] suited to them. Finally, through new models of talent cultivation, new quality productive forces produce "new quality laborers," realizing the free and comprehensive development of man [6].
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 the modernization of socialist nations. Khomekeo Sythasongkham, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences; Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; and Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), respectively summarized the forum and participated in a tripartite exchange of gifts.