It has been a busy first day so far at the G8 summit in Italy.

Kick-off for leaders from the world’s major industrialised nations was a little behind schedule, as is so often the case. But given the packed agenda, they have been working hard to make up for lost time. Topics include the financial situation, climate change, the Middle East, Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan, to name but a few. This is US President, Barack Obama’s first G8, so naturally he has been the centre of much attention. He was present however at the G20 in London in April. The summit is being held in the mountain town of L’Aquila, much of which is still in ruins following a devastating and deadly earthquake three months ago. It is a setting that has variously been described as an “ironic” and a “fitting” one in which to discuss the world’s crumbling economy. Steering nations out of the current crisis is the number one priority for this meeting which runs until Friday.More about: G8 Summit, Italy

Copyright © 2012 euronews