Briefing to the African Group by H.E. Prof. Robert Dussey in preparation for the General Assembly’s consideration of the draft resolution “Correct the Map”

Permanent Representatives,

Ambassador Mohamed Edrees, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations,

Delegates,

Dear brothers and sisters,

First and foremost, I wish to thank you for your presence and for the steadfast commitment you continue to demonstrate in advancing the African cause at the United Nations.

Tomorrow, the United Nations General Assembly will consider draft resolution A/80/L.104, entitled “Correct the Map: Rebalancing the World’s Cartographic Representation and Promoting the Equitable Representation of the Regions of the World, Particularly Africa,” submitted by Togo on behalf of the African Group.

I am honored to address you on this occasion and to call for your full mobilization in support of this collective initiative.

This draft is part of a collective endeavor grounded in the conviction that Africa must be able to make its voice heard, defend its interests and contribute fully to the evolution of the multilateral system.

This resolution is based on a simple observation, yet one with far-reaching consequences: the cartographic representations most widely circulated do not always faithfully reflect the actual proportions of the continents. In certain projections traditionally used, Africa often appears diminished, even though its land area, population, resources, diversity and potential make it one of the major regions of our planet.

This is not merely a technical or academic question. A map is never neutral. It shapes perceptions, influences how the place of peoples and continents in the world is understood and may, sometimes from the earliest years of schooling, perpetuate representations that do not correspond to geographic reality.

The “Correct the Map” initiative therefore seeks to encourage a more accurate, balanced and fair representation of the world. It calls for a better understanding of the limitations of commonly used map projections and for promotion, within international institutions, education systems, the media, publications and communication materials, of representations that more faithfully convey the true scale of Africa and other regions of the world.

Our approach is not directed against any country, continent or cartographic tradition. Nor does it seek to impose a single interpretation of the world. On the contrary, it advances a constructive ambition: to strengthen scientific accuracy, promote informed geographic education and foster a more inclusive vision of our planet.

Togo, faithful to its commitment to multilateralism and to the defence of Africa’s common interests, has agreed to lead this initiative responsibly on behalf of our Group. We are convinced, however, that its success will depend above all on our ability to speak with one voice and to mobilize all our partners beyond our own circle.

I wish to thank the African delegations for their sustained engagement throughout the consultations and for the comments and proposals that helped improve the text. This collective approach is the best guarantee of its success.

Ambassadors,

Tomorrow will therefore be an important day for the African continent. It must be an expression of our unity, solidarity and determination.

Africa is not asking for preferential treatment. Africa is asking that its reality, aspirations and contribution to the international system be duly taken into account.

The draft resolution proposes a measured and inclusive approach. It encourages awareness of the limitations of map projections, the diversification of representations used in education, the media, culture and digital environments, and the use of maps suited to their intended purposes.

This initiative, born in Africa, has universal significance. Island States, developing countries and developed countries alike all have an interest in a better understanding of geographic realities, more rigorous cartographic education and high-quality geospatial data in support of climate action, innovation and sustainable development.

Permanent Representatives,

Our collective responsibility does not end with the possible adoption of the resolution. It also begins with our ability to build the broadest possible coalition around this initiative.

In this regard, I wish to commend all Member States of the African Union for sponsoring the draft resolution. I encourage you to invite those delegations with which you enjoy close relations, and which have not yet done so, to join the list of co-sponsors. Each additional co-sponsorship will strengthen the political impact of our message and demonstrate that this initiative commands broad support around a simple principle: the world deserves to be represented as it truly is.

I also encourage you to continue your outreach to the other regional groups over the coming hours. We must explain the universal, constructive and unifying nature of this initiative. We must recall that supporting “Correct the Map” means supporting a representation of the world based on fairer and more responsible geographic information.

In this spirit, Togo will be pleased to host a cocktail reception this evening, open to all Member States. This convivial occasion will also provide an opportunity to continue our advocacy, respond to any questions and rally further support before tomorrow’s consideration of the text.

I am counting on each and every one of you to participate actively and to invite your counterparts, explain the importance of the draft to them and encourage them to consider it with openness and in a constructive spirit.

Our collective mobilization is essential if the resolution is to receive the broadest possible support in the General Assembly.

Excellencies,

We have before us an opportunity to demonstrate once again that, when Africa mobilizes around a common objective, it can make a decisive contribution to the deliberations of the United Nations.

Let us make the consideration of “Correct the Map” a moment of unity, education and international solidarity. Let us ensure that this African Group initiative is carried forward by a broad coalition convinced that accurate representation is an important condition for a more balanced understanding of our shared world.

Tomorrow, when the General Assembly takes its decision, we must be able to look at the outcome knowing that we did everything in our power to champion this initiative.

Long live African solidarity,

Long live multilateralism,

And long live the unity of the African Group at the United Nations.

I am counting on each and every one of you in this final stretch.

Thank you for your attention, your commitment and your mobilization.