North Korea has begun a rare congress of its ruling Workers’ Party, a major political gathering held once every five years that will set the country’s policy direction on defence, diplomacy and the economy.
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State media reported that the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea opened in Pyongyang on Thursday, launching what observers describe as the country’s most consequential political event since 2021. Thousands of delegates from across the country are attending the meeting, which is expected to last several days.
The leader has hailed the country’s ‘great successes’ as he opened Pyongyang’s biggest political event with a triumphalist tone that reflects what analysts say is the regime’s strongest position in many years. https://t.co/8gq3YDBG4X pic.twitter.com/28EIqlK53b
— Financial Times (@FT) February 20, 2026
According to the Korean Central News Agency, leader Kim Jong Un used his opening speech to emphasise economic development and improving living standards, without mentioning relations with South Korea or the United States. Analysts say the congress will be closely watched for signals on North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme and foreign policy stance.
External observers believe the country’s economy has shown modest recovery following pandemic-era disruptions, aided by renewed trade with China and reported arms transfers to Russia during the Ukraine conflict. Pyongyang has also deployed thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war effort, according to intelligence assessments cited by international media.
The congress is also drawing attention over succession questions within the Kim family. South Korean intelligence officials are monitoring whether Kim will formally elevate his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as a potential heir, signalling a fourth-generation leadership transition.
At the previous party congress in 2021, Kim labelled the United States North Korea’s “biggest enemy,” and analysts are watching for any shift in rhetoric under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump has indicated willingness to meet Kim again, but Pyongyang has not responded publicly.
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Military displays traditionally accompany such congresses, and Kim unveiled 50 new launch vehicles for nuclear-capable short-range missiles as the event opened, underscoring the regime’s continued focus on strategic weapons alongside economic priorities.