In October, the Youth Council of the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ introduced the Premier League in response to growing student interest in participating in the Runet’s digital initiatives. The project brings together proactive students dedicated to advancing digital culture, promoting internet safety, and shaping a responsible online identity.
Students from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) were the first to join the Premier League. A meeting with students specializing in Management in Technical Systems was held at the Coordination Center’s office on October 15, followed by a session with students from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence on October 17. A total of twenty-three students are currently taking part in the project, forming working teams focused on the Premier League’s key areas of activity.
The Premier League unites students eager to contribute to practical projects aimed at improving digital literacy, fostering a safe online environment, and developing a culture of responsible digital identity.
One of the League’s first major undertakings will be preparations for Safer Runet Week 2026, from developing the event’s visual identity to holding lectures and interactive activities. Participants also plan to prepare materials and host Safer Internet Lessons in schools, colleges, and universities across the country, develop new thematic sections for the quiz and test series within the Explore the Internet & Govern It project, and take part in the Digital Reality podcast, where they may serve as speakers, producers, or creative editors.
The initiative provides students with opportunities for professional growth and direct involvement in the dynamic processes of the internet industry.
“The idea for the Premier League emerged at RIF 2025, which attracted many young specialists in relevant fields this year. We realized how amazing it would be to create a platform where students, starting from their very first year, could engage in real-world projects and gain a deeper understanding of the digital landscape. It’s important that young professionals don’t wait until graduation to acquire practical experience but instead start building their competencies and portfolios early in their studies,” Alina Samokhina, the project’s founder, said.
The Youth Council of the Coordination Center has been operating on a voluntary basis since 2018. Its members take part in initiatives supporting the development of Russia’s country-code domains .RU and .РФ and their technological infrastructure, as well as in a range of social, educational, and outreach projects.
