The accretion and subsequent thermochemical evolution of the Earth transformed our planet from an inhospitable environment to one able to sustain life. These sessions seek to launch the Centennial Meeting by exploring our knowledge of the early Earth from its accretion, the formation of the Moon, the generation of magma ocean(s), the ensuing differentiation of the planet into rocky and metal parts, the creation of a dynamic magnetic field, the solidification of the initially molten planet and evolution of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. The habitability on Earth emerged during the course of its early evolution and the proliferation of life was punctuated by past mass extinction events, which will also be addressed in these sessions.