The Policy Advisory Council held its third meeting.

On January 14, 2012, the Policy Advisory Council of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities held its third meeting. Professor Phan Huy Le - Chairman of the Council - and the Vice-Chairmen of the Council (Professor Vu Duong Ninh, Associate Professor Pham Xuan Hang, Associate Professor Nguyen Van Kim) presided over the meeting.The meeting was attended by professors, scientists, council members, and Associate Professor Phung Xuan Nha (Alternate Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vice Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi). At the meeting, the council heard and focused on discussing proposals to be submitted to the Party and State leaders regarding the social sciences and humanities program and policies for the development of Vietnamese culture. Regarding the social sciences and humanities program, professors and scientists particularly emphasized the importance of this field in life. Social sciences and humanities have the responsibility to participate in ideological education, building values ​​and social consciousness, developing culture, and training people with ideals and a strong sense of humanity. At the same time, they contribute to building social relations, lifestyles, values, moral standards, community spirit, awareness of law compliance, and play a leading role in preserving, developing, and creating cultural values. Therefore, more attention and focus are needed on directing and researching social sciences and humanities; reorganizing the system of social science and humanities research is necessary, and a number of key issues should be selected for research. In particular, emphasis should be placed on issues such as: protecting national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and national consciousness. Along with this, opinions also suggest that the assessment of the current state of social science and humanities research should be based on aspects of training, personnel organization, and democracy in social science and humanities research. Regarding policies for the development of Vietnamese culture, delegates argued that Vietnamese culture is facing many paradoxes, some traditional values ​​are at risk of fading, and the issue of ethics and lifestyle—one aspect of current cultural life—is facing an alarming situation. Studies in social sciences and humanities have highlighted cultural shortcomings related to the relationship between tradition and modernity, and tradition and development. However, due to the rapid pace of innovation and development in the context of globalization and international integration, many new issues have arisen. Therefore, research on current ethics and lifestyles requires investigation and research into the current situation and its alarming severity. Based on the contributions received, the Council unanimously agreed and recommended the early development of two research topics: The Current State of Social Sciences and Humanities in Vietnam; and The Current State of Ethics and Lifestyles in Vietnam. Associate Professor Dr. Phung Xuan Nha expressed his agreement and support for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to develop and implement these two topics. This meeting also discussed the content and work program for 2013.