The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of promoting the use of equal-area world maps, a decision seen as a significant step towards rectifying the long-standing distortion of Africa's size and significance on traditional maps. The vote, which took place on September 4, saw 164 member states support the resolution, with only one country opposing it. The resolution was led by Togo on behalf of the African Group and built on an African Union campaign.
The Mercator projection, which has been widely used since its introduction in 1569, has long been criticized for distorting the size and shape of countries, particularly in the equatorial regions. Africa, which is approximately fourteen times larger than Greenland, is often depicted as being much smaller than it actually is, while Europe and North America appear larger than they are. This distortion has been seen as perpetuating a biased view of the world, with Africa being marginalized and underestimated.
The resolution's proponents argue that a fair and accurate map does not change the geography of the world, but rather how we see it. Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, noted that the distorted map "reflected prejudice, and then it taught it to every generation that came after." The use of equal-area maps is seen as a way to push back against this bias and promote a more accurate understanding of the world.
The distortion of Africa's size and significance is not limited to maps, but is also reflected in the systems that govern the continent's future. African countries often pay higher risk premiums than comparable economies elsewhere, and the continent is still denied a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. President William Ruto of Kenya noted that "Africa does not lack resources, what Africa lacks is a fair system — one that does not price us out of the capital we need to develop."
The vote has been welcomed by many as a step towards correcting the distorted picture of Africa. The LéO Africa Institute, which works to promote African leadership and agency, has been working to build a network of Africa champions who can help to drive change from within. The institute's programs are built around the concept of agaciro, a Kinyarwanda idea of self-worth and dignity.
The Trust Summit, which will take place in Nairobi from October 21-23, will bring together leaders and stakeholders to discuss the issue of global trust and how it can be promoted. The summit's theme, "Weaving Trust: Binding Strands for a Stronger Global Order," reflects the need for greater accuracy and understanding in international relations. The summit's outcome, the Nairobi Call to Action on Global Trust, is expected to propose a working principle of "correcting the record" to promote greater trust and cooperation.
The push for equal-area maps and greater accuracy in the representation of Africa is part of a broader effort to promote African agency and dignity. President Alexander Stubb of Finland has called for at least two new permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, arguing that "no single state should have veto power." The vote on equal-area maps is seen as a significant step towards promoting a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world.
Key points
- The UN General Assembly voted 164 to 1 in favor of promoting the use of equal-area world maps.
- The Mercator projection has been widely criticized for distorting the size and shape of countries, particularly in the equatorial regions.
- The push for equal-area maps is part of a broader effort to promote African agency and dignity.
