More than 1.7 million people take steps together for a greener, healthier Vietnam

This year, the program was joined by the Ministry of National Defence and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

In Hanoi, activities took place at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and Ba Dinh Square. Addressing the program, General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, praised the initiative's creative approach and called for consideration of making it an annual event linked to patriotic emulation movements and major nationwide campaigns.

People from across the country take part in the nationwide walk on August 30.

Setting a Guinness World Record

According to the organizing committee, the 2026 program attracted 1,774,268 participants, who collectively recorded more than 10.06 billion steps across 34 provinces and cities and nearly 3,000 communes, wards and special administrative zones. The campaign began on August 12, encouraging people to register online, accumulate steps and work toward the goal of “10 billion green steps - For a sustainable Vietnam.”

One of the highlights of this year's program was the official recognition by Guinness World Records of “Walking Together for Vietnam” for the largest number of localities simultaneously organizing walking activities to raise environmental awareness.

Lê Quoc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, said the program's second edition was significant because activities maintained over a number of years could gradually become part of people's daily habits, helping generate positive changes across society.

Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Public Security, emphasised that the program contributes to fostering a healthy living environment, improving physical and mental well-being, promoting respect for the law and encouraging the nationwide movement to safeguard national security.

Linking physical fitness with a greener lifestyle

In Nghe An Province, tens of thousands of officials, security personnel and residents joined the program at Ho Chi Minh Square in Truong Vinh Ward. Following the flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem, synchronized with the flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, participants walked along the route from Ho Chi Minh Square to Truong Thi Street.

All communes and wards across Nghe An participated in the program. Universities and colleges also mobilized officials, youth union members and students to take part.

Armed forces personnel and residents take part in the “Walking Together for Vietnam” program.

Alongside the walking activities, this year's program placed greater emphasis on raising public awareness of Net Zero, carbon emission reductions and sustainable development. People were encouraged to take practical steps such as saving energy, sorting waste, planting trees, reducing emissions and protecting the environment.

From individual footsteps, “Walking Together for Vietnam” aims to create a shared rhythm across communities, contributing to a healthier, greener and more sustainable Vietnam.

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