CLADO — Culture, Literature, Arts & Development Organization — is a youth-led nonprofit based in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We use arts for social change and literature for community empowerment.
We were founded by young people who had first-hand experience of living through the war on terror in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We saw not only the social and economic challenges it created, but also how it eroded our cultural fabric. Arts and literature — once vibrant parts of our communities — were silenced. Creative spaces were dismantled, cultural expression was suppressed, and young people became disconnected from their heritage.
CLADO exists to bring those spaces back. Through global collaborations and local action, we turn stories into solutions and creativity into lasting change.
To create and sustain spaces where young people and communities can use creative expression to address local challenges, strengthen social cohesion, and shape a more equitable future.
A society where arts, literature, and culture thrive as catalysts for peace, democracy, and inclusive development.
We believe in the transformative power of cultural heritage and creative youth leadership.
Art and literature give communities a voice to name problems and imagine solutions.
Young people are not only our audience — they lead our programmes.
We preserve and celebrate the heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
We build bridges between communities through shared cultural spaces.
Through our initiatives we work to strengthen democracy, preserve the environment, foster peacebuilding and promote social cohesion.
CLADO is run by a team of young writers, artists, organisers and volunteers from Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Founded CLADO and leads the organisation’s vision, programmes and partnerships.
Leads CLADO’s website, media, design, video production, events and online workshops.
Volunteer, partner or support CLADO’s work in Peshawar.
