Explanation of vote

Draft resolution “Correct the map”: rebalancing global cartographic

representation and promoting equitable representation of the

world’s regions, particularly Africa (A/80/L.104)

Madam President,

Ukraine is compelled to take the floor to express our position on draft resolution A/80/L.104, entitled “Correct the map: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa”.

Ukraine does not in principle oppose to the core issue addressed in this draft resolution.

We do recognize the importance of accurate and scientifically sound cartographic representations, as well as the role of geospatial information in governance, sustainable development, education and scientific research.

Ukraine also endorses efforts to address historical distortions in the representation of the sizes of continents, particularly those affecting Africa and other regions of the Global South.

However, Ukraine cannot subscribe to the draft resolution in its present form because of a specific issue concerning the Equal Earth cartographic projection referred to in the text.

We regret that all our efforts to reach out to the sponsors of this draft resolution yesterday and this morning to find a compromise formulation regarding OP8 bore no fruit.

The “Equal Earth” maps depict parts of Ukraine’s territory that have been temporarily occupied by Russia, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, in a manner that is wholly unacceptable.

This representation of “Equal Earth” contains data that violate the fundamental  principles of international law of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, it is inconsistent with all the relevant General Assembly resolutions concerning the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the non-recognition of the attempted illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014.

It would be a truly fatal mistake for all of us, and for this General Assembly, to seek to correct a historical injustice in the geographical depiction of countries and continents by simultaneously allowing a deeply troubling interpretation of the text of this draft resolution.

Such a misinterpretation could open a Pandora’s box, effectively enabling the abuse and distortion of the political map of the world.

It is regrettable that, while correcting the grave historical injustices of the past and finally addressing the dire consequences of colonialism, particularly in Africa, we at the same time might create new and no less serious problems opening a back door to erroneous interpretations and creating an ambiguity that runs counter to the interests of every Member State of the United Nations.

For this reason, as the draft encourages Member States and International Organizations to adopt, disseminate and use the “Equal Earth” cartographic projection without ensuring that its application is fully consistent with relevant principles of the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions concerning the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States, Ukraine cannot vote in favor of this draft resolution.

We urge other delegations to take this matter seriously and voice their concern regarding the dangerous uncertainty and vagueness that may be created today and vote accordingly.

Thank you.