In March 2010, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in collaboration with the Centre for Lifelong Learning Strategies of INHolland University and in partnership with the French National Commission for UNESCO, started up a research programme to review and share examples of (inter)national developments in ‘recognition practices’ and in qualification frameworks for lifelong learning. The programme’s aim is to find ways to facilitate North-South collaborative research and establish a research network, as a community of practice that would follow-up NQF & recognition developments on a continual basis. The debate on the draft for a UNESCO Charter for Recognition of Non-formal and Informal Learning assists all national stakeholders in developing their specific role(s) in this community and therewith supports them in filling in their subsequent roles in creating a sustainable ‘culture of lifelong learning’ in society. In this presentation-paper the objectives and the (expected) outcomes of the programme are clarified, especially focusing on its role as a linking-pin between national qualification frameworks and recognition practices.