UN Clarifies Equal Earth Map Resolution, Says It Does Not Endorse Any Official Map | Times Now Exclusive

The United Nations has clarified that its adoption of a resolution promoting the use of the Equal Earth map does not amount to an endorsement of any country's official territorial map, as the global body responded to questions over the representation of India’s territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Speaking exclusively to Times Now, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said there was a “misunderstanding” about the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Dujarric explained that the resolution was aimed at promoting a more accurate representation of the world's land masses, particularly to ensure that developing countries are represented more proportionately on global maps. He noted that the traditional Mercator projection was originally designed primarily for navigation by colonial powers.

“There’s a misunderstanding about the resolution that was agreed upon in the General Assembly. We are talking about a truer representation of land mass to ensure developing world is represented in its truer matter,” Dujarric told Times Now.

Asked specifically about territorial boundaries and India's official map, the UN spokesperson said the issue of boundaries was not for the Secretary-General to determine.

“Issue of boundaries not for Secy General to judge. It’s for countries to decide for themselves, obviously in negotiations with the neighbours,” he said.

The remarks assume significance after India endorsed the UN General Assembly resolution on the Equal Earth map while separately maintaining its position on the territorial representation of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Asked whether the UN would endorse India's official map, Dujarric gave a categorical response, saying the United Nations does not endorse official maps of individual countries.

“UN does not endorse any official map. The maps we publish for informational purposes, it’s very clear they are not meant for political purposes,” he said.

The clarification comes as the Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that it will address the issue. The UN's position, meanwhile, draws a distinction between the cartographic projection promoted by the General Assembly and the political or territorial boundaries depicted on maps issued by individual countries.