Professor, Doctor, Meritorious Teacher Phung Huu Phu was honored as "Outstanding Citizen of Hanoi" in 2024.

At the conference "Commending Outstanding Exemplars, Good Deeds, and Honoring Excellent Citizens of Hanoi in 2024," Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan - First Vice Chairwoman of the Central Emulation and Commendation Council, and Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh - Chairman of the Hanoi City Emulation and Commendation Council, respectfully presented the title "Outstanding Citizen of Hanoi" for 2024 to 10 exemplary individuals who have excelled in various fields. This year, individuals whose outstanding contributions have been demonstrated throughout the development periods and stages of the Capital City have been recognized and honored.

Professor Phung Huu Phu, born in 1948, was the first Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (1995-1999). Together with the Party Committee and the Board of Directors, he early on planned and dedicated his efforts to implementing the strategic direction of building and developing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities into a leading training and research center in the country, with steady yet dynamic and groundbreaking steps. Currently, Professor Phung Huu Phu is the Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Professor Phung Huu Phu held many important positions: Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi City Party Committee, Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Council (2001-2006); Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (9th and 10th terms) (2001-2010); Standing Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department (2006-2011); Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, Secretary of the Party Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (1995-1999). One notable achievement of his at Vietnam National University, Hanoi was the 1993 decree signed by the Prime Minister establishing the university. This was a sound policy aimed at creating a multidisciplinary, high-quality training and research center, tasked with leading the way in driving breakthroughs in the quality of Vietnam's university system, meeting the country's needs in the context of accelerating modernization and international integration. However, this policy was not immediately understood and supported by public opinion, relevant agencies, and even a significant portion of the staff and party members of the former Hanoi University and its member universities. As the Party Secretary of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Professor Phung Huu Phu dedicated his talent and enthusiasm to building and strengthening the university from its early days, especially in fostering unity and consensus within the Party committee and leadership team.
During his time as Secretary of the Party Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and concurrently Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Phung Huu Phu was also entrusted with many important tasks by the Hanoi City Party Committee. In 1998, he was appointed by the Hanoi City Party Committee to the position of Head of the Propaganda Department, concurrently Head of the University Department. From 2001, he was elected to the Central Committee of the Party (9th term) and appointed to the position of Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi City Party Committee, concurrently Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Council.
His leadership positions and work within the Hanoi City Party Committee and People's Council remained closely tied to the professional field in which he had passionately studied and researched his entire life. Furthermore, he was a leader who was always deeply involved in practical matters, always attentive, serious in listening to and learning from the people, his comrades, and colleagues. Therefore, every opinion, every action he took, every speech he delivered was rich in intellect, humanistic, solid, profound, yet simple and down-to-earth.
Due to organizational requirements, since graduating, Professor Phung Huu Phu has held many different positions and roles. However, what is truly remarkable is his unwavering loyalty to the university environment – ​​the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi – for over 50 years. Simultaneously with contributing to the development of the field of history, he has also dedicated his passion, dedication, and positive contributions to the development of the field of Political Science.

Speaking at the conference to commend outstanding individuals and honor "Outstanding Citizens of Hanoi" in 2024 on October 8th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that for Hanoi – the heart of the country, the national political and administrative center, a major center for economy, culture, science, education, and international integration; and with its tradition as a "Model City for the whole country," Hanoi has always been a leading locality in effectively implementing patriotic emulation movements, both traditional and specialized. The innovation and creativity in organizing and implementing these emulation movements have contributed to creating a new, synchronized, and widespread emulation atmosphere, unleashing the combined strength of all levels, sectors, organizations, and the people of Hanoi, contributing to the completion and exceeding of the set socio-economic targets and tasks. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference (photo by Viet Thanh) Emphasizing that the country is entering an era of progress with intertwined difficulties and opportunities, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence and hope that Hanoi, the capital city, will continue to uphold its glorious traditions, effectively exploit its potential and advantages, make the most of opportunities, mobilize comprehensive resources, and especially the trust, cooperation, and unity of cadres, Party members, and the people to jointly serve the cause of building and developing the capital city into a "cultured, civilized, and modern" city worthy of the expectations of the Party, the State, and the people.