UNGA Adopts Equal Earth Map to Correct Africa's Size

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution promoting the use of equal-area world maps, including the Equal Earth projection, to address distortions in the representation of Africa and other equatorial regions. The resolution, titled “Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World’s Regions, Particularly Africa,” was passed with a recorded vote of 164 in favor, one against (the United States), and six abstentions (Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine).

Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, introduced the resolution on behalf of the Group of African States, emphasizing that the initiative aims to promote accurate representation of all regions and is not against any nation or established cartographic traditions. The resolution is non-binding and does not seek to replace the Mercator projection in contexts where it is useful, such as maritime and aerial navigation.

Dussey stated that correcting the map has implications beyond geography, affecting education, culture, and perceptions of Africa's potential.