UN Backs New Global Map: Rectifying 'Cartographic Colonialism' and Africa's True Scale

The United Nations General Assembly has officially thrown its weight behind a new world map, the Equal Earth projection, in a landmark vote on Friday aimed at correcting centuries of 'cartographic colonialism' that distorted the true size and importance of continents, particularly Africa. Spearheaded by Togo and the African Union, the non-binding resolution passed with overwhelming support – 164 votes in favour – pushing for a global shift away from the widely used Mercator projection. This move recognizes that maps are not neutral tools but powerful instruments shaping global perceptions and power dynamics. The Mercator projection, created in 1569 for maritime navigation, dramatically inflates the size of landmasses near the poles, making countries like Greenland appear similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being approximately 14 times larger. This long-standing distortion has been criticized for diminishing the perceived scale and significance of the Global South, perpetuating a Eurocentric worldview. Togo Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, highlighted the initiative as a quest for 'cognitive justice' and a more equitable representation of the world, gaining significant traction after the African Union endorsed the 'Correct The Map' campaign in August 2025. The United States cast the sole dissenting vote, calling the resolution an 'ideological agenda' and a distraction from more pressing international issues. While the resolution isn't legally binding, it carries substantial moral weight, urging governments, educational institutions, and technology companies to adopt the Equal Earth projection for general use, especially in classrooms and public communications. Togo has already committed to updating its school geography materials this year, setting an example for other nations. This global endorsement is expected to spark a significant shift in how the world is visually represented, fostering a more balanced understanding of our planet's geography and its diverse regions.