Since the advent of the new era, the Party Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—has, from the strategic perspective of the overall development of the Party and the country, made a series of major decisions and deployments, vigorously promoting innovation in social work practices, theories, and systems. As a result, social work in the new era is advancing toward high-quality development, while the strengths and effectiveness of China's distinctive socialist approach to social governance continue to shine brightly.

"Social work must be strengthened."

　　The proposal in the "14th Five-Year Plan" to "pursue the path of social governance with Chinese characteristics under socialism" has drawn widespread public attention.

　　This is not just a target task—it is also a path that carries the mission of our era and leads inexorably toward a brighter future.

　　Development and security, vitality and order, have always been dialectically unified—neither can be neglected. Advancing Chinese-style modernization requires a social environment that is both vibrant and well-organized.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: "Looking at governance practices across countries, if social governance fails to keep pace with economic development, and various social conflicts and problems remain unresolved, not only will economic growth become unsustainable, but society as a whole could even descend into turmoil." This important statement is both thought-provoking and deeply resonant.

　　Since the advent of the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has traveled extensively across the country, consistently keeping an eye on society’s safety and stability, and always mindful of the people’s peaceful and prosperous lives. "Cities should not only have height but also warmth," and "Let communities become the safest, most reassuring havens for residents" — these heartfelt instructions embody a profound sense of responsibility and commitment.

　　The Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party reviewed and approved the "Plan for Reforming Party and State Institutions," deciding to establish the Central Department of Social Work and set up social work departments under provincial, municipal, and county-level Party committees. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party made specific arrangements for "improving the social work system and mechanism."

　　Last November 5–6, the Central Conference on Social Work was held—this marked the first time in our Party’s history. Social work has been elevated to an unprecedented strategic level.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping issued important instructions, emphasizing that "social work is an essential component of the Party and the state's endeavors," "social work faces new situations and new tasks, requiring us to demonstrate greater responsibility and achieve new accomplishments," and "carrying out social work effectively is a shared responsibility of the entire Party."

　　New responsibilities, new achievements—crucially, it all hinges on "unwaveringly following the path of socialist social governance with Chinese characteristics." General Secretary Xi Jinping not only points the way forward but also provides practical guidance:

　　“Effectively transforming the leadership of the Party and the strengths of our socialist system into advantages for social governance”;

　　"Starting from China's actual conditions, following the principles of governance, grasping the characteristics of our era, and strengthening and innovating social governance."

　　"To better unite in serving the people, improve mechanisms for coordinating public interests, enhance the quality of public services, and thoughtfully address the urgent, difficult, and pressing concerns of the masses."

　　“To improve the social governance system and strengthen the social work mechanisms and institutional framework”;

　　…………

　　“Public sentiment is the greatest form of politics.” Social work is conducted across the broadest social sectors, within the most extensive grassroots organizations, and for the largest segment of the population—and it must be firmly grasped, thoroughly implemented, and meticulously carried out.

　　On March 5 this year, during the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation at the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, a heartwarming dialogue took place—

　　"How many people live in your community?"

　　“7,266 people, made up of 5 residential communities. When I first arrived, there were just over 3,000 residents—now it’s doubled.”

　　“From my memory, the neighborhood committees of the past were always quite small. The community secretary was like a ‘prime minister of the alleyways,’ handling an incredibly wide range of responsibilities—it wasn’t easy at all.”

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping also expressed special concern for the newly emerging workforce: "Our social groups are becoming increasingly diverse and segmented. We must keep pace with the evolving needs of delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers, e-commerce workers, and others who have emerged in recent years—effectively filling this growing gap with comprehensive management and attentive services. It’s crucial to strike a balance between robust management and thoughtful support."

　　“Social work must be strengthened.” Simple yet powerful, these words carry great weight.

　　The Party-building-led coordination mechanisms for grassroots governance, Party work in emerging fields, joint meetings on letters and visits, joint conferences on the reform and development of industry associations and chambers of commerce, volunteer service coordination groups—these initiatives continuously strengthen and refine social work systems and mechanisms, steadily enhancing the overall effectiveness of social work.

　　The newly revised Village Committee Organization Law and the newly updated Urban Residents Committee Organization Law have been officially announced. Efforts are being strengthened to build a robust team of community workers, improve the volunteer service system for the new era, and advance the rule of law in handling letters and visits from the public. Additionally, initiatives are underway to enhance the spiritual civilization within national industry associations and chambers of commerce, as well as to better manage and regulate delivery personnel and online ride-hailing couriers. Meanwhile, a series of social work laws, regulations, and policies have been introduced one after another.

　　Today in China, social work has reached a new milestone, with a clear and unwavering goal: "Chinese-style modernization should and can achieve a dynamic balance—lively yet orderly, vibrant yet well-organized."

　　The dream is ahead, and the path lies beneath your feet.

　　“Let’s work together to continuously enhance our social development and governance, fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment. Together, we’ll address both the big and small concerns of people’s daily lives, ensuring that everyone smiles more often and feels warmer at heart.” These heartwarming words from General Secretary Xi Jinping in his 2025 New Year message inspire us to keep striving forward with unwavering determination.

"Continuously strengthening the Party's appeal, cohesion, and influence in emerging fields"

　　“I came here specifically to see you guys.”

　　On the eve of the 2019 Spring Festival, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited a delivery service point in Shitou Hutong, Qianmen, Beijing. A warm, heartfelt greeting from him brought comfort to the busy "little bees" braving the cold winter days.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The 'delivery brothers' work incredibly hard—rising early and working late, braving rain or shine. They're busiest during holidays, tirelessly buzzing like diligent little bees, truly among the most dedicated workers who bring convenience to everyone's daily lives."

　　As the wheels of progress keep rolling forward, the socialist market economy continues to thrive, giving rise to a growing number of new economic and social organizations. In particular, innovative business models—especially those driven by the platform economy—are flourishing rapidly. Today, China has approximately 84 million workers engaged in these new forms of employment. No longer confined to traditional office settings or factories, they now navigate bustling urban landscapes, bustling through streets and alleys, "galloping" effortlessly along the information superhighway.

　　Wherever there is a群众 (masses), there is the Party's work; wherever there are Party members, there is a Party organization; and wherever a Party organization exists, the organization’s role can be fully leveraged. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, "We must prioritize strengthening Party building in new economic organizations, new social organizations, and among newly employed groups, continuously enhancing the Party's appeal, cohesion, and influence in emerging fields."

　　The social work department has diligently studied and thoroughly understood the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, working closely with relevant departments to systematically explore, in line with the arrangements made at the symposium on Party building in emerging fields, exactly where the "newness," "challenges," and "implementation gaps" lie in Party building within these new domains.

　　From expanding the Party's organizational and functional coverage to seamlessly integrating Party work with production operations, innovation and entrepreneurship, social services, and grassroots governance—thereby fostering "strong Party building leads to strong development"—to strengthening and elevating Party leadership in non-public-owned enterprises, and further advancing Party building within new types of social organizations; from reinforcing Party leadership among emerging business models and new employment groups to enhancing service and management for these same groups—these comprehensive and practical measures are steadily driving Party-building efforts in cutting-edge fields to deeper, more effective implementation, yielding tangible results.

　　Industry associations and chambers of commerce serve as an important bridge connecting the Party and government with the market and society. In recent years, various regions have continuously strengthened Party building within these organizations, improved their organizational structures, and deepened efforts to uphold strict Party governance across the board. Upholding the principle of "managing the industry also means managing Party building," different departments have fully leveraged their respective functions, working together to promote the healthy development of industry associations and chambers of commerce. These organizations place great emphasis on standardizing internal management, enhancing professional ethics, and proactively taking initiative—demonstrating ever more clearly their vital role in serving the industry, society, and the public.

　　Ultimately, Party building is about working with people.

　　In February 2021, the 19th Central Political Bureau conducted a collective study session on improving the social security system that covers everyone. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "A portion of migrant workers, those in flexible employment, and individuals employed in new forms of work remain outside the social security system, leading to situations such as 'coverage gaps,' 'loss of coverage,' and 'interruptions in coverage' among these groups." He emphasized, "These issues must be given high priority and addressed effectively."

　　Departments have taken proactive steps, successively introducing measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of new employment groups and foster harmonious labor relations. These initiatives include setting clear requirements on aspects such as wages, reasonable rest periods, social insurance, and workplace safety.

　　The warmth of policy is continuously transforming into tangible, accessible happiness for the people. In recent years, various regions have vigorously promoted the development of friendly public spaces, addressing the urgent needs and concerns of newly employed groups: creating heartwarming service stations where workers can rest when tired or share their worries, boosting their sense of fulfillment; upgrading and rectifying illegally installed road height and width restrictions, building "Drivers' Homes" to enhance safety and security; offering career guidance, skills training, and other educational services to help these individuals feel more integrated into society; and launching initiatives to recognize and celebrate "the most outstanding"—such as selecting the "Most Beautiful Delivery Riders" and "Most Admirable Drivers"—thereby fostering a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.

　　This warmth is inspiring and uplifting. Today, in Beijing's Xicheng District, Communist Party-member delivery drivers have become the familiar "red vests" among neighbors; meanwhile, in Shanghai's Yangpu District, Party-member riders actively participate in activities such as civility guidance, safety patrols, and emergency volunteer services... Increasingly, more delivery personnel, online ride-hailing couriers, taxi drivers, and truckers are joining Party organizations, becoming a valuable "increment" for urban governance.

"We must build grassroots Party organizations into strong and resilient fighting fortresses."

　　With its azure skies and crystal-clear seas, pristine shores, and sparkling white sands, Ao Jiao Village quietly stands at the southeastern tip of Dongshan Island in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.

　　Last autumn, General Secretary Xi Jinping once again set foot on this land. After 23 years, the fishing village has taken on a completely new look. Expressing his deep satisfaction, General Secretary Xi said: "Village-level Party organizations must play the role of the 'locomotive,' leading villagers to fully capitalize on our 'sea' resources—and moving forward relentlessly on the path to rural revitalization and common prosperity."

　　In rural areas, the village Party organization serves as the "locomotive" leading the way to prosperity and beauty; in urban areas, the community Party organization likewise must be the "backbone" ensuring residents enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling life.

　　In June 2021, stepping into the Comprehensive Service Center of Wenting Lane Community on Wenhui Road Street in Xining City, Qinghai Province, one was greeted by melodious singing and the fragrant aroma of calligraphy and ink. The center boasts fully equipped facilities—including a calligraphy and painting studio, a dance room, a reading room, and a rehabilitation room—where residents enjoy themselves in harmony.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping said to everyone: "For a community to thrive, it must have a strong grassroots organization led by a robust Party branch—ensuring comprehensive and thoughtful services for all aspects of the community, and effectively organizing activities that encourage residents' self-governance."

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping frequently visits rural areas and urban communities during his local inspection tours. Party building leading grassroots governance is a task he has repeatedly emphasized—

　　“Regard strengthening Party building at the grassroots level and consolidating the Party’s governing foundation as the guiding principle running through social governance and grassroots development.”

　　“We must build grassroots Party organizations into robust fighting fortresses, transforming the major tasks set forth by the Central Committee into concrete initiatives at the grassroots level—and ensuring these efforts are firmly grasped, thoroughly implemented, and yield tangible results.”

　　…………

　　A shaky foundation can lead to widespread instability. The grassroots level is the very bedrock of the Party's governance and the source of its strength.

　　All regions and departments should firmly establish a clear focus on strengthening the grassroots level, continuously improving systems and mechanisms, innovating governance approaches, and driving comprehensive progress and robust development of grassroots Party organizations.

　　Reduce burdens, empower teams, and move forward with lighter loads. The issuance of the "Several Provisions on Addressing Formalism to Alleviate Burdens at the Grassroots Level" has been warmly welcomed, like a refreshing spring breeze. Meeting documents have been streamlined, oversight inspections and performance evaluations standardized, and an increasing number of resources and efforts are now directed toward the grassroots level. As a result, grassroots-level officials have more time and energy to focus on implementation and delivering tangible results.

　　Clarify responsibilities and pool efforts for practical action. We have introduced 20 measures under the framework of "Strong Horses, Light Vehicles, Smooth Roads, and Unified Momentum," formulated and implemented a list of duties for townships (subdistricts), and established a robust system to regulate access to village (community) work tasks. These initiatives collectively empower grassroots levels to focus on what truly matters—what they can and should do—ensuring that each unit cultivates its "field of responsibility" effectively and fulfills its assigned roles with excellence.

　　"Three Governance Approaches" seamlessly integrated, sparking vibrant vitality. In Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, Party branches are established directly within grid systems, with "Red Property Management" teams collaborating closely with building-level Party groups—enabling residents to have their concerns addressed right "at their doorstep." Meanwhile, in Anqiu City, Weifang, Shandong, grassroots Party organizations have innovatively launched "Mazza Deliberation Meetings," where Party members and officials take to the frontlines to coordinate and resolve everyday民生 issues, turning residents' worries into peace of mind. As a result, a robust grassroots governance system has been established, integrating self-governance, rule of law, and moral governance under the leadership of Party organizations. Meanwhile, society-wide, legally-based, smart, and professional approaches to social governance continue to evolve and improve.

　　In March of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, where he sat down with village officials and representatives of the villagers to engage in a candid conversation.

　　The village's first secretary leads construction efforts, retired veteran Party members step in to mediate disputes, and college graduates who return home to start businesses establish cooperatives... Amidst laughter and cheerful chatter, the vibrant energy of all-round rural revitalization in this Dong ethnic village comes alive—vividly demonstrating a simple yet profound truth: "To effectively address the needs of the people, the key lies in strengthening grassroots Party organization building in rural areas."

　　A fortress of combat, strong and resilient. Grassroots governance unfolds in myriad ways. The Party’s political and organizational strengths continuously transform into enhanced effectiveness in grassroots governance.

"Let the wisdom and creativity of the people become an inexhaustible source of innovation in social governance."

　　The cool autumn breeze brings a refreshing touch, while the fragrant scent of torreya trees fills the air as the Fengxi River flows through the thousand-year-old town—Fengqiao Town in Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province. It was here that the "Fengqiao Experience," born from local ingenuity, has remained vibrant and relevant through the ages.

　　In September 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping made a special visit here to tour the Fengqiao Experience Exhibition Hall, where he profoundly emphasized: "This embodies our Party's policies and strategies for addressing issues and resolving conflicts—it underscores the importance of following the mass line, firmly relying on the people, and tackling problems at the grassroots level while nipping conflicts in the bud."

　　Times are changing, circumstances are evolving, and the nature of social contradictions is also shifting—but the approach of relying on the people to properly manage internal conflicts within the populace has remained unchanged. Today, regions across the country continue to uphold and develop the "Fengqiao Experience" of the new era, effectively implementing the "Four Grassroots-Level Initiatives," strengthening and improving people's petitioning work, addressing petition-related issues at their root causes, resolving long-standing cases, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the masses, and fostering social harmony and stability.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping has set an exemplary example by deeply embracing and practicing the Party's mass line. He has repeatedly made clear demands: "We must pay close attention to publicizing and educating the masses, employing methods that are both popular and easily accepted by the people, in order to enhance their ideological awareness, inspiring them to become passionate and take action." "We should harness the wisdom and creativity of the masses as an endless source of innovation in social governance..."

　　"Old Yang Tree Lecture Hub" is a group organization composed of retired cadres, veterans, senior experts, veteran teachers, and role models from Yangpu District, Shanghai. Dedicated to promoting the Party's innovative theories and the concept of a people-centered city, the group widely conducts lectures both online and offline.

　　Last November, General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a reply letter to all members of the "Old Poplar Lecture Group," emphasizing, "A city is built by its people, and a city exists for the people," while calling on everyone to "jointly build a harmonious and beautiful city, and together create a happy and fulfilling life."

　　Today, whole-process people's democracy has been deeply integrated into Shanghai's urban governance. By listening to the voices of the people, addressing their concerns, and tackling practical issues—here, the people themselves take center stage.

　　It's not an isolated case. Beizhan Community in Minzhi Subdistrict, Longhua District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, is a high-density community in a megacity, characterized by its diverse structure and varied needs—making governance no small challenge.

　　As early as October 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited this place and clearly stated: "We must uphold relying on residents and organize community governance in a lawful and orderly manner, ensuring that everyone participates, contributes their best efforts, and shares the benefits together."

　　Today, in the community, volunteers are guiding electric vehicles to park in an orderly manner; and at the small square tables outside the Party-Mass Service Center, community officials are working together with residents to discuss solutions for caring for children of out-of-town workers… Both community officials and residents deeply realize: "When everyone pitches in and contributes their ideas, it becomes the key to overcoming even the toughest challenges."

　　Social work is, to a large extent, about working with the public. Effectively uniting and serving the people is not only a core responsibility of our work but also the fundamental approach to carrying it out. By closely relying on the people and actively mobilizing them, social work can become more grounded in reality, brimming with vitality, and significantly more effective.

　　Listening to public opinion and pooling collective wisdom have become crucial channels for advancing the modernization of social governance. The social work department is diligently carrying out initiatives to collect people’s suggestions, continuously refining institutional mechanisms and effectively integrating online and offline platforms—ensuring that insights from society are gathered more smoothly and efficiently than ever before.

　　Outstanding traditional culture continues to deeply resonate with people. In vast rural areas, communities have formulated comprehensive village rules and covenants, established organizations such as the Red and White Affairs Council and the Moral Review Committee, fostering self-management and self-supervision. As a result, they actively promote positive social changes—emphasizing civility over extravagance—creating a vibrant new atmosphere that champions virtue and advocates for frugality.

　　Volunteerism is an important indicator of societal progress and civilization. Currently, the number of registered volunteers nationwide has reached 237 million, with 1.35 million volunteer teams of various types. Phrases like "If you have time, be a volunteer; if you face difficulties, turn to volunteers" and "I give my time—therefore, I feel joy" have become a new trend in social civility.

　　Everything is for the people, and everything relies on the people. The wisdom and strength of hundreds of millions of people continuously strengthen the foundation of social work.

　　On this new journey, let us unite even more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, steadfastly follow the path of Chinese-style socialist social governance, and continuously drive high-quality development of social work in the new era. This will surely ensure that our society remains both vibrant and orderly as we advance toward modernization.