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.
Giving Citizens a Seat at the Table
Digital platforms now allow foreign ministries to crowdsource ideas and hear directly from affected communities. Iceland’s 2019–2021 “world’s first crowdsourced foreign policy” experiment used online consultations to shape its Arctic policy. Similarly, the EU’s Conference on the Future of Europe (2021–2022) gathered over 750,000 citizens’ proposals through a multilingual digital platform, many of which influenced the final report.
Virtual Reality and Empathy-Building
Virtual reality (VR) lets negotiators literally “walk in someone else’s shoes.” The United Nations VR initiative has produced 360° films such as “Clouds Over Sidra” (2015), which places viewers inside a Syrian refugee camp. These experiences significantly increase empathy and willingness to support humanitarian causes.
AI-Powered Early Warning and De-escalation
Artificial intelligence can detect rising tensions before they erupt. Projects like the EU’s Early Warning System and Geneva-based initiatives use natural-language processing to analyse social media and news in real time, giving diplomats precious hours to reach out and prevent violence.
Digital Track 1.5 and Track 2 Diplomacy
When official talks stall, technology keeps human connections alive. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Abraham Accords negotiations moved to secure video platforms, while civil-society dialogues continued on encrypted channels. Tools like Signal and Miro boards are now standard for inclusive dialogues that mix officials and civil society.
Technology does not replace the human touch; instead, it amplifies it. By lowering barriers, fostering empathy through immersive storytelling, and providing real-time data for preventive diplomacy, digital tools are transforming diplomacy from an elite craft into a shared human endeavour.
At Nvoye, the same principles apply to the everyday lives of diplomats and their families. Digital tools help newcomers connect faster, access reliable information, and build a sense of community in a new country. By combining technology with a human-centred approach, Nvoye supports diplomats in navigating both their professional mission and the personal journey of feeling at home abroad.