The United Nations has approved a resolution to move away from the outdated Mercator global map and adopt a more accurate representation of countries’ true size. This move, spearheaded by African states, aims to combat the perception of Africa as a marginalized continent.

Togo took the lead in advancing the African Union’s initiative to reduce the use of the Mercator map, known for distorting the relative sizes of land masses by exaggerating those closer to the poles. The Mercator projection falsely depicts Greenland as similar in size to Africa, despite Africa being significantly larger.

“A fair world begins with a fair map,” stated Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey ahead of the UN vote. The resolution advocates for the Equal Earth projection, which provides a more precise depiction of continents’ sizes.

While non-binding, the resolution emphasizes that it does not challenge the Mercator projection’s suitability for maritime and aerial navigation. The resolution passed in the UN General Assembly with overwhelming support, receiving 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions.

The United States, the sole dissenting voter, criticized the resolution as pushing an “ideological agenda” and diverting attention from genuine international issues.

Togo aims to update its school geography materials by the year’s end, becoming the first country to make this change. Dussey expressed the importance of setting an example for other nations to transition away from the outdated Mercator projection towards the more accurate Equal Earth representation.

Togo plans to collaborate with African Union member states and global partners in promoting the adoption of the Equal Earth projection. Dussey highlighted the need for discussions with mapping companies, GPS providers, and technology firms to facilitate this transition.

The initiative aligns with broader African efforts to address colonial legacies, emphasizing that it is not an attack on any particular civilization. Dussey emphasized that as the world evolves, Africa is also undergoing significant transformations.