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UN resolution on global cartographic representation

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2026-09-10 22:28 UTC → 2026-09-11 15:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Togo led a diplomatic initiative at the United Nations to promote a new map of Africa that corrects historical cartographic distortions. The campaign, which reportedly cost approximately $2 million USD in public funds for lobbying and travel, sought to address the inaccuracies of traditional projections. The United Nations General Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution titled ‘Correct the Map: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting a more equitable representation of the world’s regions’. Supported by the African Union, the resolution passed with 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The United States was the sole country to vote against the measure. The resolution encourages the use of equal-area map projections, such as the ‘Equal Earth’ projection, in media and education to replace the Mercator projection. While the Mercator projection remains useful for navigation, supporters argue the shift is necessary for ‘cognitive justice and memorial reparation’ to counter colonial-era biases that enlarge landmasses near the poles. Critics of the Mercator projection note that it distorts the relative size of landmasses; for example, while Africa is roughly 14 times larger than Greenland, the two appear similar in size on a Mercator map. Although the resolution is not legally binding, it aims to correct geographical misconceptions in classrooms and public life by providing a more accurate visual representation of the Global South. The resolution suggests that governments, educational institutions, and technology companies adopt more accurate models where relative area is important. Following the adoption, analysts noted the move as a significant step for the African continent to address visual misrepresentations that influence global perceptions of power. While countries such as India supported the resolution, officials clarified that such support does not imply an endorsement of specific maps or changes to their own territorial boundaries.

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