Sustainable Development Organization
(SDO) is a non-profit organization established on August 16, 2011,
with a mission to empower vulnerable and marginalized communities. SDO is
registered under Section 42 of The Companies Act 2017, and geographical
area is throughout Pakistan. SDO’s programs are aligned with
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on climate action,
wildlife conservation, clean drinking water, quality education, healthcare, sustainable
livelihood, rural development and humanitarian response. Over the years, SDO
has positively impacted the lives of over 200,000 individuals through
different programs.
As the provincial secretariat for
AJ&K of the Pakistan Coalition for Education and
the Pakistan Development Alliance on SDGs, SDO leverages its extensive
network of Village Development Committees (VDCs), Community Organizations
(COs), and local civil society activists. Supported by a dedicated team of
volunteers and a professional senior management team, SDO fosters
partnerships with government departments, local administrations, and civil
society organizations to drive sustainable development and achieve the SDGs.
To
empower communities by fostering organized, educated, and peaceful societies;
advancing socio-economic development; and promoting sustainable growth aligned
with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are committed to uplifting
vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly women, through inclusive and
participatory approaches.
CORE VALUES
Ø Respect for
personal dignity: We believe in a non-judgmental
approach that respects the dignity and rights of those whom we engage with:
staff, volunteers, members, partners and targeted groups.
Ø Accountability
and transparency: We believe we should be responsible
to each other and to the people and organizations with whom we engage and
strive to make our work transparent and accountable.
Ø Equality, justice
and human rights: We believe in an equal and just
society where people live in peace and dignity and have access to the necessary
resources and opportunities for sustainable growth.
Ø Participatory
approach: We endeavor to ground our policy and
advocacy work in the experiences of community/stakeholders and work towards
building sustainable long-term solutions. We believe in incorporating the
voices of those in the community/ civil society, our community organizations
and those on the ground into our campaigns.
Ø Gender Equality and Empowerment: SDO is committed to promoting gender
equality and empowering women and girls in all its programs. Our Gender
Policy and Anti-Harassment Policy are strictly enforced to
ensure a safe and inclusive environment both within the organization and in the
communities we serve.
Ø Do No Harm and Beneficiary Safeguarding: We prioritize the protection and safeguarding of all
project beneficiaries, participants, staff, and stakeholders. Our programs are
designed to respect local cultures, traditions, and values. Any activity that
conflicts with our Do No Harm principle is immediately reviewed, and
alternatives are proposed. We maintain an effective complaint response
mechanism to address concerns at all levels.
Ø Environmental Protection: SDO integrates environmental
sustainability into all projects. Before implementation, our field teams
conduct Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) to ensure projects
are environmentally feasible and do not contribute to ecological degradation.
