North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country's progress will not be impeded or obstructed by any challenge or change in the security environment, during a speech he gave Monday at the ongoing ruling Workers' Party congress.

Kim said that just like the struggles over the past five years, the regime's fight over the next five years will be driven by its autonomous capability and the great power of its people, according to state media.

The regime leader called for more boldness in overcoming and eliminating "backwardness and harmful practices" and stressed the need to get rid of outdated methods, conservatism and empiricism to be replaced by creation and innovation.

He also expressed discontent over inadequate operations of factories and additional facilities built through projects in line with the regime's push for regional development.

Kim, however, made no direct reference to South Korea or the U.S. despite their recent overtures to resume diplomacy with Pyongyang. 

The party congress is held every five years to review policy outcomes from the previous five-year period and to set new goals for the next five years.