[REVISION HISTORY]

UN approves resolution to correct global map distortions

Updated 24 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-09 09:34 UTC → 2026-09-10 20:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On September 4, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly approved the ‘Correct the Map’ resolution, an initiative led by Togo and supported by the African Union. The nonbinding resolution encourages a transition from the Mercator projection to the ‘Equal Earth’ projection to correct cartographic distortions that disproportionately enlarge northern landmasses while minimizing equatorial regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. The resolution passed with 164 votes in favor, six abstentions, and a single dissenting vote from the United States. The U.S. characterized the move as a ‘radical ideological project,’ with some opposition citing concerns regarding a focus on ‘reparations’ and ‘cognitive justice.’ Diplomatic friction emerged from the abstentions; Ukraine filed a formal protest, calling the projection ‘completely unacceptable’ because it colors the Crimean Peninsula grey, visually separating it from the rest of Ukraine. Serbia also abstained, noting the projection depicts Kosovo as a separate state, contradicting its constitutional framework. Other nations that abstained included Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, and Moldova. The European Union supported the resolution but clarified it does not impact territorial sovereignty or internationally recognized borders. Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized that maps shape global understanding, stating that a more faithful representation can better reflect Africa’s real wealth and potential. Following the vote, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) announced it will release new world maps for the 2024–2026 period using the Equal Earth projection. On September 8, France announced its support for the initiative, with its Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs pledging to renounce the Mercator projection within its diplomatic network. On September 9, the United Nations officially recommended the use of an ‘Equal Earth’ world map.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.