This article examines the role of public opinion in leadership and governance in accordance with the spirit of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The findings indicate that the 14th National Congress represents a significant advancement in the Party’s perception of public opinion, shifting from viewing it primarily as an object of monitoring and guidance to recognizing it as a strategic resource for national governance and a policy feedback mechanism supporting the formulation, implementation, and improvement of the Party’s and the State’s policies. Furthermore, the monitoring, research, analysis, forecasting, and early warning of public opinion facilitate Party committees and authorities at all levels to proactively identify emerging risks and potential social issues at an early stage, enabling timely interventions from the grassroots level and from afar to prevent them from developing into social hotspots or complex issues that could undermine political and social stability. Thereby, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of public opinion work, contributing to modern governance, the promotion of socialist democracy, and the sustainable development of Vietnam in the context of digital transformation and deep international integration.