For centuries, diplomacy was a highly exclusive and secretive practice conducted by a narrow, mostly aristocratic elite in European capitals, often in grand, closed-door settings and by a handful of accredited representatives. Yet the challenges of the 21st century, like climate change, pandemics, migration, and digital threats, demand a more inclusive, empathetic, and human-centred approach. Far from making diplomacy colder, technology is emerging as one of its most powerful tools to bring people closer together.

In an era where a single tweet can shift global narratives, digital diplomacy has evolved from a novelty to a necessity. Today, ambassadors and consular teams wield social media as a powerful tool for public outreach, fostering real-time connections with citizens worldwide.

Diplomats bridge cultures, represent their nations with pride, and often live lives filled with travel, variety, and purpose. Yet behind the polished surface, diplomatic work can quietly strain mental health. A 2025 study by Brooks, Patel, and Greenberg found that while many diplomats describe their careers as “rewarding” and “unique,” they also face chronic stressors that outsiders rarely see.

It can take time to realize how many different specialists walk the halls of an embassy. Besides ambassadors and ministers, there are experts who oversee everything from trade activities to marine ecosystems. Working with the ambassadors, they help a mission stay on top of complex issues through research, coordination, and representation.

When Wendy Avilés, a Dominican diplomat, arrived in The Hague, she faced the typical challenges of relocation — scattered information, bureaucracy, and loneliness. Nvoye changed that. With its reliable guidance, local insights, and community connections, Wendy turned a stressful move into a confident, connected start. This case study shows how Nvoye empowers diplomats to settle in faster, feel at home sooner, and focus on their mission with peace of mind.

Bas Snippert, MSc is an expert in stress, vitality and development at work. He is the author of The Vitality Revolution (2020), Head of Learning & Development at the Dutch Vitality Expertise Centre and provides coaching and training to managers and teams. Bas supports people on a daily basis that function in highly demanding and complex environments. Over the past 10 years, he has worked with a wide variety of people and organisations, including at the Public Prosecution Service, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Erasmus MC, UMC Utrecht, NS, TATA Steel, ANWB, Vitens, the Van Gogh Museum and in primary education.