UN adopts Equal Earth map: Why no flat map can accurately show the globe

Ukraine refrained from backing a UN General Assembly resolution proposed by Togo to introduce a new world map that accurately depicts the relative sizes of countries, due to its portrayal of Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by Russia. Permanent Representative Andriy Melnyk highlighted that the map's data conflicts with fundamental international law principles concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Melnyk stressed that the map contradicts all relevant General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine's territorial integrity and the non-recognition of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine did not object to the core issues raised in the draft resolution but refrained from supporting it due to the map's portrayal of its occupied territory.

Efforts to find compromise language with the draft resolution's co-sponsors on September 3 and 4 were unsuccessful. Melnyk cautioned that allowing a distorted interpretation of the draft resolution could lead to broader abuses in the political map of the world. Ireland's representative on behalf of the European Union echoed the concerns about the map's implications, emphasizing that it should pertain solely to relative size without impacting sovereignty or internationally recognized borders.

Despite Ukraine's abstention, five other countries followed suit—Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Serbia. Only the United States voted against the resolution, with 164 countries voting in favor. The United States criticized the resolution as politically motivated, arguing it undermines the institution's purpose by promoting an ideological project rather than updating cartographic proportions.

The UN resolution calls for the use of equal-area maps when relative size matters and teaches the limitations of flat maps representing a spherical planet.