Karakorum Area Development Organization KADO

KADO is a hybrid not-for-profit organization that blends modern and indigenous approaches to drive sustainable development in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.We aim to empower marginalized communities by fostering entrepreneurship, digital livelihoods, women's empowerment, and skill development. We strongly believe in inclusivity and strive to create equal opportunities for everyone through close collaboration with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to create a lasting impact and sustainable pathways for development in the mountain region of Gilgit-Baltistan. KADO is registered with the Securities and Exchanges Commission of Pakistan under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017 as a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital, and certified with the Pakistan Center for Philanthropy. KADO has a remarkable history of more than 25 years. The first project started with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) to revive the handicraft and create income and employment opportunities for women and disadvantaged people in this area. It has received awards from the President of Pakistan and UNESCO’s Seal of Excellence for its outstanding performance in empowering rural women and promoting traditional handicrafts of Gilgit-Baltistan. In its 26-year journey, KADO has achieved unbelievable results by executing several projects such as Enterprise Development, Environment, human and institutional development, rehabilitation, information and communication technology, vocational skills, and human rights. Our Current intervention involves Community Tech Hubs, Digital Livelihood Programs, Climate Action, advocacy on gender-related issues & interventions in Entrepreneurship/Enterprise Development.