PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea announced its first ‘‘five-year plan’’ since the 1980s, with leader Kim Jong Un issuing instructions ‘‘for developing the Korean revolution on a higher stage.’’

The prominence put on the economy at the first congress of the ruling Workers’ Party to be held in 36 years underscores the emphasis Kim, the third-generation leader of North Korea, has placed on improving living standards and, at the same time, pursuing nuclear weapons.

But it is something of a risky move for Kim, because he could be held accountable for it.

Also at the congress, Kim said North Korea would not use its nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty was violated, a familiar refrain from Pyongyang.

Kim has lauded North Korea’s advances in nuclear technology, as South Korean officials continue to warn that a fifth test could be imminent.

Kim repeated the line that North Korea would not go on the offensive with its weapons.

‘‘As a responsible nuclear weapons state, our republic will not use a nuclear weapon unless its sovereignty is encroached upon by any aggressive hostile forces with nukes,’’ Kim told the meeting, according to KCNA.

The agenda for the congress includes reviewing the party’s work and rules, electing Kim to the top position in the party, and filling other senior positions, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.

Washington Post