The German Chancellor welcomed the Heads of State and Government on Wednesday evening at a gala dinner.
The first working session begins at 10 a.m. today. The global economy is on the agenda this morning, climate protection this afternoon.
After their first working session the Heads of State and Government will be gathering in front of the assembly rooms for a so-called family photo.
G8 meets J8
Following that the G8 Heads of State and Government will be meeting the J8 group. The eight youngsters from the G8 countries have spent several days discussing the issues on the G8 agenda. It was they who requested that a young person from a developing country also take part.
Today they want to discuss their conclusions with the G8 leaders.
International foreign policy issues are on the agenda for the short working lunch that follows: from the Middle East to Iran's atomic programme to the situation in Sudan. Developments in Kosovo and the fight against international terrorism are also likely to be discussed.
Room for meetings on the fringes
Later on the Heads of State and Government will have the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings. From the very start, as well as the official programme, the G8 meetings have always included many informal meetings.
The next working session has been scheduled for late afternoon. It will be dedicated to the main focus of the summit, namely "climate change and energy efficiency".
Africa, the second main topic of the summit, is on Friday's agenda.
