Seven years after their inception, with persistent and diligent promotion, the Code of Conduct in Public Places and the Code of Conduct for Officials, Public Employees, and Workers within Hanoi’s municipal agencies have become embedded in daily life. These codes serve as foundational steps toward cultivating elegant and civilized Hanoians.
Fostering a Civilized Community Together
Aligned with practical needs, and aiming to elevate the quality and effectiveness of building a refined, cultured Hanoi, the city has issued two Codes of Conduct (the Code of Conduct in Public Places across the city and the Code of Conduct for officials and workers within Hanoi’s municipal agencies). The city has simultaneously launched a plan to intensify efforts in promoting, disseminating, and educating on cultural conduct, while proactively combating violence in the capital. To date, over 30,000 Code of Conduct handbooks have been distributed; thousands of news stories, articles, special columns, and dedicated sections have highlighted the implementation of these Codes of Conduct; and nearly 40 seminars and contests have been organized around the two codes. These initiatives have contributed significantly to promoting a courteous, refined lifestyle and enhancing the character of the people of Hanoi.
Hanoi organizes multiple seminars to explore effective implementation solutions for the two Codes of Conduct.
Across city departments, sectors, agencies, and localities, there has been substantial attention to leading and guiding the effective rollout of the two Codes of Conduct. Their implementation has been unified, with close collaboration among party committees, government bodies, sectors, and affiliated organizations, along with enthusiastic participation from officials, public employees, workers, and the general public. The city’s directives have been promptly translated into specific programs, plans, and projects linked to administrative reform, discipline, public service efficiency, and increasing citizen satisfaction with government agencies. Directives have also tied the Codes of Conduct to the implementation of Directive No. 05-CT/TW (Session XII) on studying and following the thoughts, morals, and style of Ho Chi Minh, as well as Directive No. 24-CT/TU dated August 7, 2023, from the Hanoi Party Committee on “Strengthening discipline, responsibility, and task resolution within the city’s political system.” Officials and public employees are assessed and categorized monthly and annually, with criteria tied to the Codes of Conduct, emphasizing the exemplary role of agency and departmental leaders.
The city’s promotional efforts have been organized with diverse formats and content tailored to various groups and times, especially ensuring that the two Codes of Conduct are prominently displayed at each agency. Additionally, agencies have leveraged local radio systems in wards, communes, and towns; internal bulletins; and electronic portals for outreach, while integrating conduct education into meetings, contests, performances, and festivals. Regular and periodic inspections on the codes’ implementation have been prioritized by agencies, alongside checks on administrative reforms and public service operations. Moreover, agencies have shown commitment to recognizing and rewarding teams and individuals who excel in upholding the two Codes of Conduct, aligning these efforts with broader public recognition campaigns, including the “Good People – Good Deeds” movement.
The interdepartmental city inspection team reviews the implementation of the two Codes of Conduct across local areas and units.
Innovative Efforts to Promote Two Codes of Conduct
The City has actively rolled out and expanded various models to promote the Codes of Conduct in communities. Alongside city-guided models, many local areas and units have introduced creative, effective practices that are spreading the Codes of Conduct throughout the community.
In Ba Vi District, the implementation of plans to renovate and organize the premises of all commune and township offices aims to establish clean, green, orderly, and safe work environments in line with administrative discipline. This initiative contributes to a healthy workplace culture and supports Ba Vi’s rural area improvement criteria, creating a model district with high-standard communes.
The promotion of the two Codes of Conduct is strengthened.
In Cau Giay District, the “Women Building Civilized Markets” model encourages courteous conduct and helps refresh the image of traditional markets with a more appealing, modern look. Previously, several local programs have served as examples of community pride in fostering cultural behavior, such as the “Cultural Stairways,” “Family Libraries,” and “Self-Managed Household Groups” initiatives.
Across multiple areas, various models like “Scenic Sites/Historical Relics as Cultural Models” and “Model Villages/Residential Groups” aim to create greener, cleaner, and more beautiful surroundings, advancing the public Code of Conduct while enhancing residents’ quality of life. Additionally, specific models are tailored to the unique conditions of each locality, contributing effectively to the Code’s adoption.
After seven years, the Code of Conduct system has become a familiar guideline at all administrative levels and among the general public, aligning societal conduct to build a modern, dignified, and culturally rich community. According to Nguyen Thi Viet Ha, Deputy Head of the Division for Building Cultural Lifestyles and Families under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, hundreds of effective and exemplary models have been implemented and expanded from the city level down to local communities. While some programs share similar content, they avoid rigidity by adapting to the unique characteristics and needs of each area and its residents.
To further advance these efforts, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Home Affairs, Dinh Manh Hung, recommends integrating the Codes of Conduct into broader community movements and campaigns, adapting promotion strategies to specific target groups, and focusing on high-traffic or sensitive areas, such as markets, bus stations, and parks. In government offices, there should be regular assessments to recognize individuals and groups excelling in Code of Conduct compliance, while openly addressing any conduct contrary to these standards.
Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Tran Thi Van Anh, noted that the Codes of Conduct have widely permeated the city’s public servants and residents. To sustain this momentum, local departments and agencies should proactively develop self-monitoring plans to assess and adjust their implementation efforts as needed. Meanwhile, the City’s interagency inspection teams will intensify focused inspections in public areas, enhancing oversight on specific Code of Conduct-related themes.
Bao Han