diplomacy

 🎯5 Common Challenges Young Diplomats Face (and How to Overcome Them)

Like any new beginning, starting a career in diplomacy can feel exciting, but also confusing and difficult at times.

Even after years of studying international relations, law, or political science, many young diplomats realise that real diplomatic work is full of surprises.

Here are 5 challenges that many new diplomats face, and some simple ways to deal with them:

1. Getting Lost in Bureaucracy

Embassies, ministries, and international organisations have many rules and steps for everything. It can be hard to understand how things work, who to talk to, or how to get a decision approved.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Try to learn from more experienced colleagues. Take notes, be patient, and know that everyone felt lost in the beginning.

2. Balancing Your Country’s Message with the Local Situation

You’re there to represent your country’s interests, but what happens when local people, culture, or politics don’t agree?

Take time to listen and learn. Try to explain your country’s position with respect and calmness. It’s not always about winning an argument, it’s about keeping the conversation going.

3. Keeping It Professional, Even When It Gets Personal

Making friends is part of life abroad. But when you’re a diplomat, every relationship needs to be handled with care. Too much closeness can sometimes cause problems or raise questions.

Be kind and respectful, but always remember who you represent. Think twice before getting involved in situations that may affect your work or reputation.

4. Facing the Digital World

Social media, emails, and online tools are now part of diplomacy. But they also bring risks—leaks, fake news, and misunderstandings can happen fast.

Stay informed about digital tools and rules. Think before you post or respond. And always remember: online, you’re still a diplomat.

5. Adjusting to a New Life Abroad

Moving to a new country, far from friends and family, can be emotionally hard. Different cultures, languages, and routines can be overwhelming.

Give yourself time to adapt. Learn the local culture, build a daily routine, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

🌍 Being a young diplomat means learning every day about others and about yourself.

You will make mistakes.

You will feel confused.

But you will also grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared for the world.

If you’re an experienced diplomat, what challenge did you face early in your career?

And if you’re just starting out, what part of diplomacy feels the most confusing right now?

👇 Let’s start a conversation and learn from each other.

WHY AFRICA WAITS WHILE ASIA BUILDS: A Hard Look at Kenya

I met with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President William Ruto in Nairobi. They spoke with energy about Kenya’s future— investment, infrastructure, public housing. But behind the polished language was a painful truth: there is no serious execution culture.

Kenya’s real problem is not a lack of money or talent. It’s the absence of long-term vision and the dominance of short-term gain. Leaders talk big, but systems don’t move. They wait for outsiders to bring business, rather than build an environment for it.

The biggest indicator? Electricity.

Vietnam: 100 million people, over 70 GW of power.

Kenya: 50 million people, only 4 GW.

This is not a side issue—it’s the foundation of economic development. No investor will build a factory where the lights flicker every day. Vietnam knew this. It built power generation before free trade zones, and now it’s a global export hub.

In Kenya, basic energy supply is unstable. And yet, the government built a fancy expressway from Nairobi to Mombasa—without an export industry to support it. Meanwhile, millions live in slums and huts, with no access to reliable utilities.

Tourism is another missed opportunity. Safari bookings require 90-minute check-ins at park gates—even with reservations. After 9:00 PM, everything closes. There’s nothing for visitors to experience or spend on beyond a Masai market that’s essentially a souvenir stand.

President Ruto wants to build public housing, but investors are scared off by petty corruption, and legal instability. There are no credible incentives, no serious risk guarantees. In short, no real initiative to make it happen.

Compare this to Vietnam or Singapore:

. Leaders are up at 5 a.m. working on execution, not speeches.

. Power supply is constant.

. Policies are consistent and data-driven.

. Incentives align with performance.

Africa doesn’t lack potential—it lacks a mindset shift.

Leadership must stop performing for the next donor visit or summit. It must build systems that attract local and global investment, reward builders, and guarantee follow-through.

The global window is closing. Asia isn’t waiting. If Kenya and much of Africa want a real economic future, they must turn off the microphone—and turn on the power.

Doanh Chau

Post script:
I want to make it clear that these reflections come from a place of respect and care for Africa—Kenya especially. My observations are meant to be constructive. The photo with H.E. Musalia Mudavadi is included simply for context and not as a critique. On the contrary, I hold deep respect for his dedication and sincere efforts to serve Kenya and its people, a true leader with visions.