"Slovenia can do a lot in this direction. It is also among the most ambitious countries with regard to the carbon footprint and other environmental issues," he told Slovenian reporters.

"We have nothing to be ashamed of. We're on a good path. Slovenia is 60% forest, we have [the right to drinking] water in the Constitution, we're well on the way to reducing plastic," he said.

"But if only small countries strive to make the world better, it will not happen. We need awareness by the superpowers and the biggest polluters."

Šarec said the biggest countries would have to come around and acknowledge that climate change is taking place and join the fight.

"Disputes stemming from the past will be sidelined in a few years and we'll all have to face the change taking place in nature. Denial of climate change will not result in success," he said.

Šarec did not speak at the Climate Summit but he did attend a panel at the WEF debate on sustainable development focused on Europe's leading role on climate change and green growth.

In his address he highlighted the need for action by all countries to keep climate change in check and to transition to a low-carbon society.