The United Nations made a significant decision on Friday by voting to transition from the outdated Mercator global map to a more accurate representation of countries’ true sizes. This resolution, championed by African nations, aims to combat the perception that Africa is marginalized on maps.
Togo spearheaded this initiative as part of the African Union’s campaign to reduce the use of the Mercator map, which distorts the proportions of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. For example, it erroneously depicts Greenland as similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being approximately 14 times larger.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, emphasized the importance of a fair map, stating that a fair world begins with accurate cartography. The resolution endorses the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more precise portrayal of continent sizes.
Although non-binding, the resolution received overwhelming support in the UN General Assembly, with 164 countries in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The United States, the sole dissenting nation, criticized the resolution as advancing an ideological agenda and diverting attention from pressing global issues.
Togo plans to lead by example by updating its school geography materials by the year’s end, becoming the first country to do so. Dussey expressed Togo’s commitment to advocating for the adoption of the Equal Earth projection globally, highlighting its superior accuracy for understanding the world’s geography.
He emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, educational institutions, international bodies, and tech companies to shift away from the outdated Mercator projection. Dussey underscored that this initiative aligns with broader efforts in Africa to address historical legacies without targeting any specific region or civilization.
In the coming months, Togo intends to convene with African Union members and allies from various regions to strategize on promoting wider acceptance of the Equal Earth projection. Dussey stressed the importance of engaging mapping, GPS, and location-based technology companies in this transition, framing it as part of Africa’s evolution in a changing world.