Robert Dussey (Togo) on the adoption of the "Correct the Map" resolution - General Assembly Media Stakeout

Dear colleagues from the media, dear friends, thanks for your patience as we are waiting the conclusion of the vote. I would now like to invite to the microphone the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo, Professor Robert Dousse. Minister, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen of the press. On behalf of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, the government of Togo, and the group of African states here, I would like to welcome today's adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the resolution, "Correct the Map." This resolution, as you know, was adopted by 164 votes in favor, one against, and six abstentions. This adoption comes as the historic moment for Africa and for the world. It affirms the need for a more accurate more balanced and more geographically faithful representation of our planet. A map is indeed a technical tool, but is also an instrument and knowledge and representation that shapes how people and continents perceive themselves. Certain projection used for centuries and decades portray Africa and other regions of the world in ways that do not reflect the actual landmass. Correcting the map, therefore, also means correcting a perception. Correcting the map means restoring to continents in the mind of people, the reality of the true dimensions. This is the significance of this resolution, goes far beyond cartographic considerations. It raises a broader question of equity in how the world is represented and neglected. Africa is not asking for any privilege. Africa is not asking that its reality be acknowledged and responded with fairness and accuracy. There is also an economic dimension. A more faithful representation can help better cover Africans' real wealth and potential, particularly in global economy and commercial dynamics. The way people see you shapes the kind of relationship they develop with you, and that relationship determines the nature of our partnerships. The negotiations that led to the adoption of the resolution were conducted in the spirit of transparency, openness, and dialogue, allowing all member states to express their views and contribute to the discussion on the text. This inclusive approach reflects our commitment to multilateralism and to respecting the diversity of position. The truth that the world map must be corrected brought nations together despite the plurality of the views. We respect, of course, the positions expressed by member states that did not support our initiative. However, I wish to reaffirm that correct the map is not directed against any country, any region, or any civilization. It seeks to promote a more inclusive, balanced, and representative multilateralism grounded in truth and justice. With more than 1.5 billion inhabitants and at the heart of the economic and geopolitical dynamics of the 21st century, Africa must be represented in accordance with its true reality. Correcting the map will not on its own resolve the imbalances of the international system, but it's an important symbol of an African determination to fully participate in shaping the representation, norms, and narratives that structure our world right now. Many people do not know the real Africa. The resolution adopted today reaffirms African reality and Africa that is more than 14 times the size of a country like Greenland. Africa and my country, Togo, are proud to have carried this initiative as a United Nation under the leadership of the President Faure Gnassingbe, the President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, whose vision, drive, and personal commitment enabled the continental initiative, Correct the Map, to become a reality within the United Nations. We extend once again our sincere gratitude to the African Union for the mandate entrusted to Togo to the African group. The president of African group is here, and also the permanent representative of African Union Commission here. All our friends here for Africa, for AAS present here, we say thank you to everyone. Togo and African Union will work together to implement the decision what we took today here. Before concluding these remarks, I would also like to thank you, dear friends, dear brothers and sisters of press, to be here and to discuss together after the adoption of our resolution. Thank you so much for your presence. Questions? Yes.

Yes, I wanted to ask you, the U.S. no vote calling a resolution radical ideology, how will this vote by the U.S. affect Africa-U.S. relations.

Thank you so much. You know we are very open in the African continent. And also, because we are open, we are respecting all the decisions. So now, the U.S. didn't vote that resolution. We respect the decision of the U.N., but we will continue to discuss with our friend in U.S., and we are sure we will, in terms of the implementation, why not we can work together. So U.S. and Africa, we have to work together for peace in the world, and very important for us. Thank you. So see you in Togo. Yes, thank you.