The United Nations made a significant decision on Friday to transition from the outdated Mercator global map, which distorts the true size of countries, especially Africa. The resolution, initiated by Togo and supported by other African nations, aims to address the misperception that Africa is marginalized due to the Mercator map’s exaggeration of land masses closer to the poles.
Togo spearheaded this move to align with the African Union’s campaign advocating against the Mercator projection. This map inaccurately represents Greenland as being similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being significantly larger. Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the importance of having a fair map for a fair world.
The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection as a more precise representation of continents’ sizes. Despite being non-binding, it does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation, according to the Togolese ministry.
With a vote of 164 in favor, one against (the United States), and six abstentions, the resolution was approved by the UN General Assembly. The U.S. opposed the resolution, citing it as promoting an ideological agenda and diverting attention from pressing global issues.
Togo aims to implement changes in school geography materials by the end of the year, becoming the first country to do so. Dussey expressed Togo’s commitment to leading by example and encouraging other nations to follow suit in adopting the Equal Earth projection.
Furthermore, Togo plans to engage with African Union members and global supporters to facilitate broader adoption of the new map. Dussey highlighted the importance of involving mapping, GPS, and technology companies in this transition while emphasizing that the initiative is part of broader African efforts to address colonial legacies without targeting any specific civilization.
As the world evolves, so too must perceptions and representations of Africa and other regions, Dussey concluded.