Introduction

This introductory chapter, gives a brief history of the development of HWP, and provide a description of the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs), which end in 2015 and will be succeeded by a new set of goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the past five years this movement, known as (HWP), has gained momentum, culminating in the establishment of the Global Organisation for Humanitarian Work Psychology (GOHWP) in 2012. The aim of this book is to provide a set of case studies illustrating practical examples of humanitarian work psychology (HWP), in both applied and research settings. As we reach the end of the (MDG) period, it is time to take stock of the progress that has been made, the contributions of (HWP) to that progress, and where additional efforts will be needed. Finally, the chapter also presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book.