The Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department was established by merging the provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee with the additional function of managing religious affairs, previously under the Department of Home Affairs. The department serves as an advisory body to assist the provincial People’s Committee in managing state affairs regarding ethnic groups, religion, and belief systems. The department currently has 31 staff members, of whom 27 are Party members. Having only been in operation since March 1, the department has faced numerous challenges with the increasing workload.

Nguyễn Thanh Sơn, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department, stated: “Immediately after its establishment, the Party Committee has led, directed, and coordinated the implementation of the main political tasks assigned by the province and the sector; we have strictly implemented Directive No.05-CT/TW on studying and following the ideology, ethics, and style of President Hồ Chí Minh, linked with building and rectifying the Party’s political, ideological, ethical, organizational, and personnel aspects; organizing a streamlined organizational structure to meet new demands and tasks.”

The first Congress of the Party Committee was held during the ongoing political restructuring to streamline the government system, which aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the state apparatus. The congress focused on discussing and setting goals, targets, tasks, and breakthrough solutions to lay the foundation for innovation, building a clean and strong Party Committee, effectively implementing state management of ethnic groups and religions in the province, and fostering unity within ethnic minority communities, contributing to the sustainable development of the province.

Secretary Nguyễn Thanh Sơn further shared: “The goal for the 2025-2030 term is to strengthen leadership, foster unity, and cultivate the sense of responsibility of the Party Committee, focusing on guiding officials, Party members, public servants, and employees to strive for creative labor, ensuring we accomplish the functions and tasks assigned. This includes providing continuous advice to the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, the provincial People’s Committee, and the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee regarding ethnic and religious matters. We will also increase research and propose practical and effective solutions to improve the quality of life for ethnic minority communities, strengthen trust in the Party’s leadership, and consolidate unity among ethnic groups.”

To achieve this, the Party Committee will focus on leading and directing the agency to carry out its functions, tasks, and annual work programs with key priorities: disseminating and studying Central and Provincial resolutions, directives, and conclusions; directing and implementing ethnic and religious policies; particularly advising and coordinating the National Target Program for Socio-economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2026-2030 period. Additionally, they will cooperate with other departments and sectors to monitor and report on ethnic and religious situations, providing timely recommendations to the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee and the provincial People’s Committee to address arising issues.

The Party Committee will also enhance education and the implementation of the study and practice of Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology, ethics, and style among officials and Party members. Moreover, the department will focus on applying information technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence to improve management and operational efficiency. All department staff and Party members are determined to accomplish the responsibilities assigned and meet the goals outlined in the Party Congress resolution, working together to build a strong and sustainable Party Committee for the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department.