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General Phan Van Giang speaks at the event. |
Attending the event at the central venue in Hanoi were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang, Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang, along with leaders of central agencies, ministries, sectors, and Hanoi. Vice Chairman of the General Department of Political Affairs Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Minh also attended.
Speaking at the event, General Phan Van Giang praised the program’s creative concept and new approach, noting that it had chosen walking, a simple and accessible activity, to convey broader messages about public health, patriotism, responsibility, and sustainable development. He said the program had transformed a mass sporting activity into a nationwide platform connecting people across the country and vividly demonstrating the strength of national unity.
General Phan Van Giang called on the organizing panel to consider making the program an annual event, while linking it more closely with patriotic emulation movements and major campaigns. The collective efforts and determination of millions of people, he said, would provide significant strength to realize the aspiration of building a powerful, prosperous, civilized, and happy Viet Nam.
Since its launch in 2025, the program has attracted more than 1 million participants and recorded more than 6 billion steps nationwide. Building on that success, this year’s event carries the message “10 billion green steps – For a sustainable Viet Nam,” with a broader goal and deeper significance.
Le Quoc Minh, who is Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, and Chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association, highlighted the significance of the program’s second edition. He said the movement had reached the grassroots level, with people from communes and wards joining the nationwide effort. Everyone can contribute a step to the country’s collective journey.
Walking was chosen because it is simple and accessible, requiring neither venues nor expensive equipment, regardless of economic circumstances or special physical fitness. By simply standing up and taking a walk each day, everyone can participate and contribute to the collective effort.
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General Phan Van Giang, delegates, and locals joining the event |
A highlight of the event was the participation of people nationwide wearing national-flag shirts, taking part in flag-raising ceremonies, singing the national anthem, and joining the walk. The Guinness World Records announced that the program in 2026 had set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of localities simultaneously organizing walking activities to raise environmental awareness.
With more than 1.7 million participants nationwide and more than 10 billion steps recorded since the program began on August 12, the event seeks to carry forward the values of the movement “All people doing exercise following the example of great Uncle Ho,” promote green living style and environmental protection spirit, and contribute to the goal of sustainable national development.
Translated by Tran Hoai