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UNGA Backs Equal Earth Map as 164 States Support

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:35 PM UTC · How we work

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UN Endorses Map

In early September 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution endorsing the Equal Earth map projection.
Japan lodged a diplomatic protest, with spokesperson Minoru Kihara stating the map’s depiction of the four southern Kuril Islands contradicts Japan’s claim.
Cartographers say the Equal Earth projection reduces distortion, showing Africa larger than on Mercator maps.
Ukraine warned the map labels Crimea as contested, prompting Russian rebuttal during UN discussion.

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UN Endorses Map

In early September 2026 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution endorsing the Equal Earth map projection.
The resolution was framed as a step toward correcting Euro-centric map distortions that marginalize Africa and other developing regions.
164 states supported the resolution and the United States voted against it.
African Union and Togo’s minister Robert Dussey said the map can counter Africa’s historic marginalization.

History

Historical Context

At the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (3–14 June), 108 heads of state adopted the Rio Declaration’s 27 principles and opened the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed by 154 nations. The summit’s call for equitable representation underpins the 2026 UN General Assembly’s endorsement of an Earth-projection resolution, aiming to embed inclusive cartographic standards.

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UN Endorses Map

In early September 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution endorsing the Equal Earth map projection.
Japan lodged a diplomatic protest, with spokesperson Minoru Kihara stating the map’s depiction of the four southern Kuril Islands contradicts Japan’s claim.
Cartographers say the Equal Earth projection reduces distortion, showing Africa larger than on Mercator maps.
Ukraine warned the map labels Crimea as contested, prompting Russian rebuttal during UN discussion.

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