The first congress of the provincial federation comes after a term marked by expanded youth participation and organizational reforms aimed at making activities more practical and responsive to the needs of young people and local communities.
The federation has identified three strategic priorities for the new term: digitizing its operations and youth data, building an ecosystem to support youth entrepreneurship and economic development, and modernizing models of solidarity and engagement, particularly for young people in digital spaces and underrepresented groups.
Digitizing federation operations has been identified as an immediate priority to improve administration, management and member connectivity. The organization plans to establish a comprehensive membership database, expand the use of digital platforms for managing activities and continue initiatives including "Digital Literacy for All", "A Digital Skill Each Week" and youth digital technology teams to strengthen digital capabilities among young people and local communities.
The federation also plans to strengthen support for youth entrepreneurship by helping develop at least 50 startup ideas and projects during the new term. It aims to promote at least 100 youth-led businesses, products and One Commune One Product (OCOP) products through marketing and sales platforms while developing the "Gia Lai Youth Economic Digital Map" and the "Gia Lai Youth Innovation Exchange" to connect young entrepreneurs with businesses, investors, experts and development resources.
Vũ Hồng Quân, President of the Gia Lai Young Entrepreneurs Association, said young entrepreneurs increasingly require comprehensive support beyond financial assistance.
"What young people need now is a comprehensive support ecosystem, from idea consultation, expert connections and access to capital to brand building and market expansion. The provincial Young Entrepreneurs Association will continue to accompany the Youth Federation in connecting resources, sharing management experience and supporting young people to realize their startup ideas and develop sustainable economic models", Quân said.
The federation also plans to broaden participation by expanding professional, interest-based and digital youth clubs while developing tailored support for young workers, ethnic minority youth, religious youth, freelance workers, vulnerable groups and those working away from their hometowns.
The previous term saw significant progress across volunteer activities, youth engagement and digital transformation.
The "I Love My Country" movement remained the federation's flagship initiative, supporting youth development through programs including "Steps for the Community," "Young Doctors Following Uncle Ho's Teachings, Volunteering for Community Health," "Green Sunday," and the "Summer Volunteer Youth Campaign".
Volunteer activities increasingly focused on grassroots communities and disadvantaged areas. The federation mobilized resources to build and repair 1,343 houses through 8,861 volunteer workdays, organized 523 grassroots activities supporting disadvantaged children and families valued at more than VND5 billion (about US$191,000), and implemented 275 community projects generating nearly VND2.5 billion (about US$95,500) in benefits.
Youth employment and entrepreneurship also remained a priority. More than VND1.27 billion (about US$48,500) was disbursed through the Gia Lai Youth Startup Fund and the National Employment Fund managed through the Central Youth Union. In 2025, 24,859 young people received career counseling, job placement support and participated in overseas employment programs.
Digital transformation emerged as one of the federation's most notable achievements. Across the province, 187 "Digital Literacy for All" teams organized 563 activities to help residents develop digital knowledge and skills. Complementary initiatives such as "A Digital Skill Each Week" and youth digital technology teams encouraged young people to apply science and technology in education, business and production.
The Vietnam Student Association at Quy Nhơn University has been among the organizations actively supporting the province's digital transformation efforts by helping residents complete administrative procedures and access online public services at the Provincial Public Administration Service Center while organizing programs to strengthen students' digital skills.
Bùi Tuấn Kiệt, President of the Vietnam Student Association at Quy Nhơn University, said the association's activities provide students with opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to their communities.
"Through the activities of the Student Association at all levels, many students not only develop their skills but also participate in community service and gain access to science, technology and innovation. These are important assets for young people to confidently study and work in the new era", Kiệt said.
Đỗ Đức Thanh, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Federation of Gia Lai Province, said the organization would continue expanding support for education and entrepreneurship while placing greater emphasis on digital transformation, digital capacity building, cultural preservation, environmental protection and socio-economic development.
"Our principle is that all activities must be directed toward the legitimate and practical interests of young people, creating opportunities for them to contribute more to their homeland and the nation," Thanh said.