UN adopts map accuracy resolution

The United Nations General Assembly passed the "Correct the Map" resolution on September 4, 2026, with 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions. The resolution, introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group, promotes the use of map projections that more accurately reflect the surface area of continents, especially in educational and media contexts.

Togo leads map translation effort

Togo has begun implementing the resolution by launching a call for applications to translate the Equal Earth map into African languages. The project will cover not only place names but also the map's legend and a pedagogical notice, requiring teams to provide a glossary explaining their terminology and spelling choices.

Translation call targets diverse African languages

The initiative is open to translators, linguists, teachers, and others who are fluent in languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Wolof, Lingala, Zulu, Malagasy, Ewe, Kabyè, and Kotokoli, among others. The list of eligible languages is not fixed, and a translation into Swahili is already in progress.

Payment and evaluation criteria outlined

The Togolese ministry plans to offer a fixed payment per language, though the amount is not specified. Evaluation will be based on mastery of the written language (65%), translation experience (20%), and user engagement (15%). All translations will be published under an open license and made freely available to the public.

Timeline for translation project set

Interested applicants have until December 30, 2026, to submit their applications. Selected teams will be announced on January 15, 2027, with the final submission of translated materials due by the end of February 2027.